Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a multi-system, multi-symptom illness caused by exposure to biotoxins—most commonly from water-damaged buildings (mold), but also from Lyme disease, certain algae, and other biological sources.
First identified by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, CIRS affects approximately 25% of the population who carry specific HLA-DR genetic markers that prevent normal biotoxin clearance. At Longevity Healthcare, we follow the Shoemaker Protocol alongside advanced functional medicine approaches.
CIRS occurs when your immune system encounters biotoxins but cannot clear them through normal detoxification pathways. In genetically susceptible individuals, these toxins trigger a perpetual inflammatory cycle that doesn't resolve on its own.
The result is chronic, systemic inflammation affecting the brain, lungs, muscles, joints, gut, and hormonal systems simultaneously. CIRS patients often see 10+ doctors before receiving a correct diagnosis.
Relentless inflammatory cascades affecting multiple organ systems simultaneously.
Severe brain fog, memory loss, word-finding difficulty, and concentration problems.
Shortness of breath, chronic cough, and sinus congestion from ongoing inflammation.
Debilitating exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest or sleep.
Dr. Peter Muran combines the established Shoemaker CIRS Protocol with advanced functional medicine, IV detoxification, and regenerative therapies to address the root cause of chronic inflammatory response and restore multi-system health.
Our comprehensive approach combines multiple modalities for maximum effectiveness.
Comprehensive testing including VCS (Visual Contrast Sensitivity), HLA-DR genetics, MARCoNS nasal culture, and inflammatory biomarkers (C4a, TGF-beta, MSH, VIP, MMP-9).
Step-by-step biotoxin removal protocol: cholestyramine/welchol binders, MARCoNS eradication, anti-gliadin correction, and hormone optimization.
Glutathione, phosphatidylcholine, and specialized IV formulas to support detoxification pathways overwhelmed by chronic biotoxin exposure.
IV Therapy →Ozone enhances oxygen utilization and antimicrobial activity, supporting the body's ability to manage chronic infections that often accompany CIRS.
Ozone Therapy →VIP nasal spray, MSH support, and peptide therapy to restore the neuroimmune regulatory hormones depleted by chronic CIRS.
Peptide Therapy →
CIRS is not a simple allergic reaction—it's a complex immunological dysfunction that perpetuates itself through multiple inflammatory pathways:
Biotoxin Exposure: Mold mycotoxins, Lyme spirochetes, or other biotoxins enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or tick bite.
Genetic Susceptibility: ~25% of people carry HLA-DR gene variants that prevent their immune system from recognizing and clearing these biotoxins.
Cytokine Storm: Uncleared biotoxins trigger chronic elevation of inflammatory markers (C4a, TGF-beta, MMP-9), creating systemic inflammation.
Hormonal Disruption: Chronic inflammation depletes MSH, VIP, and ADH—regulatory hormones that control inflammation, sleep, mood, and gut function.
Multi-System Collapse: Without treatment, CIRS progressively damages the brain, gut, immune system, and hormonal axis simultaneously.
Mold is the #1 trigger for CIRS. If you've lived or worked in a water-damaged building, see our mold toxicity treatment.
CIRS-related brain fog and memory loss can mimic early dementia. Our memory loss program evaluates CIRS as a cause.
CIRS frequently co-occurs with MCAS, amplifying histamine and inflammatory responses.
Chronic biotoxin exposure triggers autoimmune responses in genetically susceptible individuals.
CIRS-induced mitochondrial damage causes debilitating fatigue. NAD+ therapy restores energy.
CIRS depletes regulatory hormones. Our hormonal health protocols address CIRS-related dysfunction.
Don't let cirs control your life. Schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Muran to create your personalized treatment plan.
Answers about cirs and our treatment approach.
CIRS is caused by exposure to biotoxins—most commonly mold mycotoxins from water-damaged buildings, but also from Lyme disease (Borrelia), certain blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), and dinoflagellates. About 25% of the population has genetic HLA-DR variants that prevent normal biotoxin clearance.
Diagnosis involves Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) testing, HLA-DR genetic testing, and comprehensive bloodwork measuring C4a, TGF-beta, MMP-9, MSH, VIP, ADH/osmolality, VEGF, and other CIRS-specific biomarkers. We also test for MARCoNS (antibiotic-resistant staph colonization in the sinuses).
The Shoemaker Protocol is a step-by-step treatment approach developed by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker. It includes removing from exposure, using cholestyramine or welchol binders, eradicating MARCoNS, correcting anti-gliadin antibodies, normalizing MMP-9, correcting ADH/osmolality, restoring VEGF, and ultimately replacing VIP.
With proper treatment and removal from ongoing biotoxin exposure, most CIRS patients achieve significant improvement or remission. However, the genetic susceptibility remains, so future biotoxin exposure can trigger recurrence. We teach patients how to monitor and maintain their health long-term.
The full Shoemaker Protocol typically takes 6-12 months to complete, though many patients feel significant improvement within the first 2-3 months. More complex cases with co-infections or severe hormonal depletion may require longer treatment.
Mold illness is the most common form of CIRS, but CIRS can also be triggered by Lyme disease and other biotoxins. Not everyone exposed to mold gets CIRS—only those with specific HLA-DR genetic susceptibility develop the chronic inflammatory response.
We regularly offer special pricing on our most popular treatments — from IV Infusion Therapy and ExoMind™ Brain Wellness to Regenerative Medicine and more. Call today to ask about current offers.
Call (949) 899-5377 for Current Specials
"Regenerative medicine represents the future of healing—activating your body's natural capacity to repair, regenerate, and optimize function at the cellular level. This isn't alternative medicine; it's precision biology."
Dr. Pete Muran
Founder, Longevity Healthcare
Longevity Healthcare
369 San Miguel Dr. Ste. 100
Newport Beach, CA 92625
Phone: (949) 899-5377
