Chronic mold illness, also known as chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), is a condition that can occur when an individual is exposed to high levels of mold over an extended period. This exposure can occur in buildings with water damage or excessive humidity, leading to the growth of various types of mold. These molds produce toxins (mycotoxins), that we ingest or breath in. If one's immune system is not adept at recognizing and eliminating these mycotoxins, a cycle of chronic inflammation develops. It is estimated that up to 25% of individuals have a genetic predisposition toward impairment of mycotoxin elimination.
CIRS is a multisystem illness that can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive impairment, joint pain, headaches, and respiratory problems. These symptoms can be severe and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
The treatment for chronic mold illness involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition, which is mold exposure. This typically involves identifying and removing the source of mold in the individual's environment, as well as any contaminated materials or items. In addition to remediation, treatment requires alternative methods of detoxification, which includes GI binders, sauna, ozone therapy and much more.