CIRS Wreaks Immune Havoc

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is described as a condition that affects many body systems after a person is exposed to a water-damaged building. It involves ongoing inflammation and changes in hormone levels, nerve signals, and other bodily functions.

Because the symptoms overlap with chronic fatigue syndrome, many people are misdiagnosed, even though CIRS has measurable biological markers.

Across the medical literature, the only treatment shown to improve CIRS reliably is the Shoemaker Protocol. Research, including clinical trials and case studies, shows that this protocol can reduce inflammation markers, correct abnormal test results, and improve symptoms.

Other approaches mentioned in the literature do not show the same consistent or measurable success.

In contrast, treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome mostly offer partial or temporary relief. Therapies like graded exercise, counseling, supplements, or prescription drugs may help some symptoms, but do not reverse the underlying problems seen in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome.

Overall, the evidence indicates that CIRS is a treatable condition when the appropriate protocol is used.

Optimal Takeaways

• Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome is a multi-system illness linked to exposure to water-damaged buildings.
• It has clear biological markers involving inflammation, hormone changes, and nervous system function.
• The Shoemaker Protocol is the only treatment with documented success across multiple studies.
• Medicines such as cholestyramine and vasoactive intestinal peptide show consistent improvement in lab results and symptoms.
• Other treatments, including antigen therapy or general symptom-focused care, do not correct the underlying condition.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome treatments may ease symptoms but have not been shown to reverse the illness process.

Reference

Dooley, Ming et al. “Chronic inflammatory response syndrome: a review of the evidence of clinical efficacy of treatment.” Annals of medicine and surgery (2012) vol. 86,12 7248-7254. 8 Nov. 2024, doi:10.1097/MS9.0000000000002718 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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