Biotoxin Illness

It’s estimated that nearly 50% of the structures in the United States are water damaged buildings. Because of this, many Americans are knowingly or unknowingly exposed to toxic mold at home and/or work. This exposure often leads to biotoxin illness, or CIRS (Chronc Inflammatory Response Syndrome). The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Wallemia, and Stachybotrys Chartum (often referred to as black mold). Some of these molds produce mycotoxins that can be measured in the urine of exposed individuals.

Symptoms of Biotoxin Illness

All of the above molds are capable of triggering inflammation, allergies and asthma, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction. Symptoms of biotoxin illness include:

Fatigue, weakness, aches, muscle cramps, joint pain, morning stiffness
Ice pick pain, skin sensitivity, numbness, tingling
Headache, memory issues, focus/concentration issues, word recollection issues, decreased learning of new knowledge, confusion, disorientation, vertigo
Light sensitivity, red eyes, blurred vision, tearing
Sinus problems, shortness of breath, cough
Abdominal pain, diarrhea
Mood swings
Appetite swings, excessive third, metallic taste
Sweats (especially at night), increased urination (especially at night)
Temperature dysregulation problems
Static shocks
Tremors

My Personal Experience with Biotoxin Illness

In my case, while living in toxic mold unknowingly, I experienced fatigue, aches, muscle cramps, joint pain, skin sensitivity, tingling, headache, memory issues, focus/concentration issues, word recollection issues, decreased learning of new knowledge, light sensitivity, blurred vision, abdominal pain, diarrhea, night sweats, and increased night urination. I was a hot mess of symptoms that were generally attributed to other diagnosed conditions. Luckily, upon discovering mold and removing myself from the source of exposure, 90% of these symptoms went away within a year. A large number of these symptoms went away within just a few months of avoidance.

Possible Biotoxins

Biotoxin Illness, otherwise known as CIRS, has a wide range of affects on the body. Many different indoor toxins can create this type of illness. Biotoxins often found inside the home and/or office space include:

Fungi
Bacteria
Mycobacteria
Mold
Mold Spores
Endotoxins
Inflammagens
Beta-glucans
Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs)

Most people can detox from exposure to these toxins. There is a minority of the population, though, (about 24%) that cannot effectively detox from these biotoxins as one should. This minority has an HLA genetic mutation that prevents the body from recognizing the above list as “toxins.” Thus, these substances build up in the body over time, triggering a chronic inflammatory response. In my case, this inflammatory response led to a dysfunctional immune system and several autoimmune diseases.

Seeking Help

The greatest problem here is that CIRS is commonly misdiagnosed as a string of other “unrelated” conditions. (This happened to me for nearly three years). Not many physicians are familiar with CIRS or the dangers of toxic mold. In my case, it was mentioned as a possible root cause by my nutritional therapist and by my integrative doctor. But when it came time to diagnose with labs and detoxify, I had to seek out a specialist six hours from home.