Does Mold Cause CIRS?

What Is Mold Illness or CIRS?

Mold illness, also referred to as CIRS, is a potentially debilitating condition in which multiple body systems are in a chronically inflamed state as a result of exposure to biotoxins. In the case of mold exposure, these biotoxins are mycotoxins.

Because mold illness, or CIRS, affects multiple organ systems, it involves a broad range of symptoms. When left unaddressed for a long time, the condition and its associated symptoms can be debilitating.

CIRS can be characterized by different abnormal lab markers involving the following:

• Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF β-1)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
• Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)
• Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)
• Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH)
• Leptin
• Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Genetic Test
• Complement C3-A
• Complement C4-A

Causes of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

As previously mentioned, CIRS is a result of exposure to biotoxins. Biotoxins are toxic substances produced by microorganisms, plants, or animals. Examples of biotoxins include:

• Brevetoxin
• Botulinum toxin A
• Tetanus toxin
• Mycotoxins
• Bacterial endotoxins
• Viral infections
• Marine biotoxins

CIRS Symptoms

Because multiple bodily systems are involved in the pathology of CIRS, the symptoms can be broad and non-specific. Your presentation of symptoms can depend on genetics, the severity of biotoxin exposure, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors. CIRS symptoms can include:

• Memory loss
• Mood disorders
• Brain fog
• Chronic fatigue
• Body aches
• Weakness
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Shortness of breath
• Sinus congestion

Oftentimes, CIRS symptoms occur in cluster patterns. For example, muscle aches are commonly coupled with joint pain and stiffness. Sinus congestion is often paired with shortness of breath and disorientation. Static shocks or pins and needles sensations are often accompanied by dizziness. A qualified doctor or healthcare professional can notice CIRS symptom clusters.

The Role of Mold in CIRS Development

In the case of CIRS caused by mold illness, the main biotoxin at play is mycotoxins. Mold naturally produces various types of mycotoxins such as aflatoxin, ochratoxin, penicillic acid, and sterigmatocystin.

You may expose yourself to these mycotoxins through contaminated food, infected animals, mold growth in the home, or water-damaged buildings. When your body is exposed to mycotoxins for an extended time, it prompts the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.

The most common types of molds associated with CIRS include Stachybotrys, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.

Why Is CIRS Often Misdiagnosed?

Because CIRS and mold illness symptoms can be broad and non-specific, the conditions are often misdiagnosed. For example, CIRS symptoms overlap with those of multiple sclerosis, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), fibromyalgia, anxiety, mood disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Treatments and interventions for the above misdiagnoses often only provide symptomatic relief. They can leave patients on a hamster wheel trying to find answers considering they don't get to the true root cause which is CIRS.

Another reason CIRS is often misdiagnosed is because, until recently, there wasn't a consensus amongst the medical community regarding specific lab markers or screening tests. In the past decade, medical practitioners have become more confident and familiar with the lab tests, screening tools, and symptoms that clearly indicate CIRS in a patient.

More clarity around diagnostic methods and treatments has led to many healthcare professionals calling CIRS a serious public health dilemma.

Treatment and Management of CIRS

The treatment and management of CIRS largely depend on the biotoxins responsible for the condition's pathology. In the case of CIRS caused by mold illness, mycotoxins are the main culprit.

When mycotoxins are responsible for CIRS, the first line of action is to seek medical attention from a mold-literate doctor or healthcare professional. Next, you should seek out professional mold remediation services.

Depending on the healthcare professional you see, they may employ various treatment options such as antibiotics, antifungals, pharmaceutical-grade binders such as cholestyramine, herbal nutraceuticals, antihistamines, or other medications.

Some research has found that vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) administered through nasal passageways can help correct CIRS following exposure to mycotoxins and other biotoxins present in water-damaged buildings. VIP therapy proved efficacy in correcting inflammatory blood markers, returning pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) during exercise to normal levels, and enhancing the quality of life in 100% of patients.

Seeking Professional Mold Remediation Help

As previously mentioned, aside from proper medical evaluation and treatment, addressing mold exposure is vital to recovery. Considering the complexity of mold growth, it's imperative you seek out professional mold remediation services, such as those from FDP Mold Remediation.

Finding out you and your family are being exposed to mold is worrisome. It can be tempting to try DIY mold killing techniques to get a head start on things. However, this only leads to more problems and can potentially worsen the exposure.

DIY mold remediation techniques don't consider proper containment and material restoration. When proper containment and material restoration methods aren't accounted for, mold spores, mycotoxins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can spread like wildfire. Save yourself the time and potential worsening of symptoms by calling a professional mold remediation company instead.

FDP Mold Remediation's experts understand the severity and urgency of mold exposure, especially concerning the onset of a chronic illness such as CIRS. FDP Mold Remediation has accreditation from the Institue of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), and follows standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In addition to our accreditation, FDP Mold Remedation's knowledge and expertise are reflected in our use of advanced equipment, techniques, and personalized mold remediation process.

Here's a quick overview of our process:

• Step 1: Phone consultation with one of FDP's mold remediation experts.
• Step 2: A highly qualified mold inspector visits the contaminated residence and crafts a game plan for mold mitigation and removal.
• Step 3: The source of moisture or other environmental factors that are contributing to mold growth are properly addressed to prevent future growth before treatment begins.
• Step 4: The work area is set up. This involves proper containment of contaminated areas and utilization of negative air pressure and HEPA filters. Proper containment is essential to prevent further spreading of spores and mycotoxins.
• Step 5: Contaminated materials are treated and salvaged if possible. Because your health is our number one priority, if materials can't be salvaged, they're completely removed while following specific safety protocols.
• Step 6: Mold is removed from contaminated porous surfaces using antimicrobial solutions.
• Step 7: Our general contractors take care of any necessary rebuilds to get your property looking as good as new.
• Step 8: Our team will double-check that the remediation process was successful and inform you of steps to prevent mold growth in the future so you never run into this problem again.

For additional information regarding our accreditation and back story, click here. For a more detailed breakdown of our mold remediation process, check out this link here.

Preventing Mold Exposure

Mold exposure can take a massive toll on your health and property, so it's essential to take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again. Here's a quick list of things you can do to cultivate an ideal indoor environment for you and your family:

• Make sure your residence has proper ventilation and airflow: open windows and use fans when necessary and seasons allow.
• Keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50%.
• Keep up with regular maintenance: fix any plumbing leaks immediately and ensure the air conditioning and HVAC systems are working properly.
• Turn on the exhaust fans in bathrooms during and up to 30 minutes after showering.
• Remove or replace water-damaged carpets or upholstery.
• Contact a professional mold inspector or remediator immediately, such as FDP Mold Remediation, if you suspect mold growth.

Contact FDP Mold Remediation for Professional Services Today

You deserve to experience vibrant health. When it comes to CIRS or mold illness, the only way to do that is to remediate the mold and address the mycotoxins wreaking havoc on your body and property.

FDP Mold Remediation's experts are dedicated to responding to your needs quickly. Give us a call and schedule a mold inspection today at 877-421-2614. Or, you can fill out a form on our contact page and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Our highly trained technicians and mold experts currently service various locations in the Washington, DC, Arlington, VA, Baltimore, Miami, FL, Dallas, TX, or Elizabeth, NJ.

Contact FDP Mold Remediation, a highly trusted business in the mold remediation industry, for all of your mold needs today. One of our specialists is waiting and happy to help you take back the health of your family and property.