A 12-Step Protocol for CIRS

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a long-lasting illness that occurs when the body cannot properly clear certain environmental toxins—especially those associated with water-damaged buildings, mold, bacteria, and some infections.

These toxins can overstimulate the immune system, leading to ongoing inflammation that affects many body systems, including energy, mood, digestion, hormones, and brain function. Diagnosis includes checking exposure history, symptom patterns, vision-contrast testing, and specific blood markers.

Treatment follows a strict 12-step plan that must be done in order. It begins by entirely removing the person from the source of exposure, then using special binders (such as cholestyramine or colesevelam) to help the body eliminate stored toxins.

Later steps address nasal bacteria, food-related antibodies, hormone imbalances, fluid regulation, and markers of inflammation and blood flow. Each step has a clear purpose and is linked to the correction of specific symptoms or lab abnormalities.

The final step uses a prescription nasal spray called VIP, which helps calm inflammation and support brain and immune health—but only after earlier steps are completed. When the whole sequence is followed carefully, many people experience significant improvements in symptoms, energy, mental clarity, and overall function.

Reference 

Dorninger, Eric. "The CIRS Protocol: A Sequential, Evidence-Based Treatment for Biotoxin-Associated Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome." Medical Research Archives 13.8 (2025). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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