How Mold Contributes to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

When the body is exposed to biotoxins from mold, especially in individuals who are genetically predisposed, the immune system can have difficulty eliminating those toxins effectively. Instead of clearing the inflammatory signals, the immune response remains hyperactive. This persistent inflammation can evolve into what is known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a condition often triggered after prolonged exposure to mold-contaminated environments. Mold spores, fragments, and byproducts like mycotoxins bypass normal detoxification pathways, affecting neuroimmune signaling and triggering a variety of immune dysregulations. In genetically susceptible individuals, this can set off a sustained inflammatory loop, one that doesn’t shut off even after leaving the contaminated environment.

At The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM), functional medicine doctors look beyond symptom management and toward the root causes behind mold-related illness. Chronic exposure to water-damaged buildings can initiate this condition, but it is the dysfunctional immune response that sustains it. Genetic susceptibility often underlies why one person becomes ill while others in the same space do not. CIRS can impact multiple systems, including neurological, hormonal, and gastrointestinal, and often presents with a wide and confusing symptom profile. Addressing this condition involves mapping out the biotoxin burden, restoring proper immune function, and supporting detoxification systems through personalized protocols such as COEM’s Biodetoxification Program, which may include functional lab testing, multi-step oxygen therapy, and other modalities based on the patient’s needs.

The immune system is designed to react to threats, but in the case of mold exposure, the body can perceive biotoxins as ongoing threats even after the source is removed. These toxins bind to cell membranes and trigger cytokine release, leading to an inflammatory state that doesn’t resolve properly. For individuals with certain genetic profiles, the innate immune system fails to present these toxins to the adaptive system for clearance. As a result, inflammation continues unchecked, often shifting into a chronic state that affects multiple organ systems. The body becomes trapped in a loop of inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction, which defines the nature of CIRS. Instead, individuals may experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, muscle pain, headaches, and in some cases, language delays or motor planning issues like apraxia, particularly in children. Mold specialists at COEM see this symptom overlap frequently, especially in individuals on the autism spectrum, both children and adults. Functional lab testing is often necessary to track specific inflammatory markers and identify ongoing biotoxin exposure. The goal at COEM is to support mitochondrial function and begin the gradual process of restoring equilibrium. Provocation-neutralization allergy testing can also assist in identifying mold sensitivities that may be perpetuating the inflammation.

For individuals with CIRS, the inflammatory response has often become self-sustaining, and targeted medical intervention is needed to reverse that process. Functional medicine doctors at COEM tailor treatments using tools like functional lab testing, HLA genotyping, and symptom tracking to develop individualized recovery plans. These often involve binding agents to remove biotoxins, therapies to calm immune dysregulation, and support for detoxification pathways. Multi-step oxygen therapy and photobiomodulation (PBM) are also available for patients whose symptoms include cognitive fatigue, memory difficulties, or poor oxygenation. IV therapy is used as appropriate to support cellular repair, antioxidant status, and tissue healing throughout the recovery process. The mold doctors at COEM use an integrative approach that may include components from the Biodetoxification Program, hormone and nutrient balancing. Board Certified Dr. Stephen P. Elliott, MD, D.A.B.F.M., F.A.A.A.M., F.M.A.P.S., the only MedMAPS-certified Fellow in South Carolina, offers this level of specialization to both children and adults impacted by mold-related inflammation. Functional improvements can be gradual, but with consistent medical oversight and proper environmental management, many patients see marked reductions in symptom load and gains in cognitive and physical function.

For many individuals with CIRS, the cumulative effect of inflammation across body systems can result in significant cognitive and physical decline. Brain fog, short-term memory loss, mood instability, and motor coordination issues can make it difficult to carry out basic tasks. In children, especially those with preexisting neurodevelopmental concerns, exposure to mold can lead to regression in language skills, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties with attention. Adults may struggle to maintain employment, manage household responsibilities, or even tolerate light or sound, depending on how the illness presents neurologically. What complicates it further is that many conventional lab results may appear normal, even when the patient’s daily function is clearly compromised. Functional lab testing and neurocognitive screening help uncover underlying dysfunction that would otherwise be overlooked. Mold exposure can interrupt everything from circadian rhythm to immune surveillance, and when left untreated, patients may experience a slow but persistent decline in health. For families, especially those with children on the autism spectrum, the additional burden of navigating regression or increased behavioral issues after a mold event can be overwhelming. Sought out worldwide with over 45 years of experience treating environmental illness, COEM’s multidisciplinary approach addresses both the inflammation and its ripple effects on daily living, supporting symptom relief alongside long-term restoration of health and function.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) treatment is available at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM). For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston SC, Mount Pleasant SC, Summerville SC, North Charleston SC, Goose Creek SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, West Ashley SC, Moncks Corner SC, Sullivans Island SC, Folly Beach SC, Isle of Palms SC and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city, which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.