MOLD ILLNESS
Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), is a condition triggered by exposure to mold and mycotoxins—tiny toxic compounds produced by certain molds. This exposure typically occurs in water-damaged buildings, where mold thrives. Mold illness affects individuals differently, but for many, it can lead to debilitating symptoms that are often difficult to diagnose. Understanding the symptoms, testing methods, and available treatments is crucial for managing and recovering from mold illness.
Symptoms of Mold Illness
Mold illness is systemic, meaning it affects multiple systems in the body. Symptoms can be varied and sometimes vague, making diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms of mold exposure include:
When to suspect Mold Toxicity?
If any of the following symptoms are experienced in conjunction with fatigue, cognitive impairment, intense anxiety or depression, and odd buzzing or “tremor” sensations.
FATIGUE
Extreme, unrelenting fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.COGNITIVE ISSUES
Brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
Coughing, wheezing, sinus congestion, shortness of breath, or asthma-like symptoms.NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
Headaches, dizziness, vertigo, tingling or numbness in extremities, tremors, or light sensitivity.JOINT & MUSCLE PAIN
Persistent aches, stiffness, or swelling.
MOOD CHANGES
Anxiety, depression, irritability, or unexplained mood swings.
GASTROINTESTINAL ISSUES
Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and “leaky gut”.SKIN REACTIONS
Rashes, hives, eczema, or other unexplained skin conditions.CHRONIC SINUS INFECTIONS
Recurring sinus problems, nasal congestion, or frequent colds.UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT CHANGES
Both weight loss and gain can be symptoms of mold illness.
Ice pick or lightning-like sensations
Unusual areas of numbness/tingling
Vibrating or pulsing sensations running up and down the spine
Electric Shock sensations
Because the symptoms can mimic other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or Lyme disease, it’s important to consider mold exposure if you experience a cluster of these symptoms, particularly after spending time in a building that has been water-damaged.
Testing Methods for Mold Illness
Diagnosing mold illness can be challenging because many of its symptoms overlap with other conditions. However, several testing methods can help identify whether mold exposure is at the root of your health issues:
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This non-invasive test measures your ability to detect contrast in images, which can be affected by neurotoxin exposure (including mold toxins). A failed VCS test may suggest mold exposure or other biotoxin-related illnesses.
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Mycotoxins are toxic byproducts of mold. Mycotoxin testing can help determine whether you have been exposed to mold. We use both urine and blood tests to help determine the body burden.
Urine mycotoxin testing is a direct test for mycotoxins that are excreted in the urine.
A blood test can also be used to indirectly detect mycotoxins by measuring antibodies to mycotoxins in the blood.
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Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to mold illness, meaning their bodies cannot effectively clear mold toxins. An HLA-DR blood test can help determine whether you have this genetic susceptibility.
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Testing your home or workplace for mold can identify sources of exposure. This may include air sampling, surface testing, or using an ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) test, which analyzes dust samples to assess mold levels.
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Mold illness often triggers chronic inflammation. Blood tests for markers like CRP, ESR, C4a, TGF-β1, MMP-9, and VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) can indicate an inflammatory response associated with mold exposure.
Treatment for Mold Illness
Treating mold illness requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses both removing the source of exposure and supporting the body’s detoxification and healing processes. Common treatments include
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The most important step is to stop exposure to the mold source. I cannot stress this enough! If you are suffering from illness due to mold, you cannot begin to recover until you complete this very important step. This may involve:
Remediation of the affected Environment:
Hiring a professional mold assessor to determine where the mold is and create an action plan for the remediator: Please see our resource page for important information you need to know BEFORE hiring someone. Not all assessors are created equal.
Once your home has been assessed, and an action plan has been created, you will need to hire a professional mold remediator. Again, please see our resource page. Not all remediators are created equal.
Once the building has been remediated, the contents and your personal belongings will also need to be remediate
This involves thorough cleaning of items you keep.
Relocation: In severe cases, if remediation isn’t possible, moving to a mold-free environment may be necessary to facilitate healing.
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Binders are substances that help the body bind and eliminate toxins through the gastrointestinal system. They help prevent reabsorption and promote their elimination from the body
Common binders used in mold illness treatment include:Pharmaceutical binders: Welchol and Cholestyramine
Natural Botanical Binders can include steamed Kale, Okra, and Aloe.
Fiber from food can be a very beneficial binder and is easy to employ. Fibrous foods include rice bran, flaxseed, chia seed, oats, and psyllium husk.
Other natural binders include, but are not limited to, activated charcoal, bentonite clay, zeolite, and Chlorella.
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Omega-3 fatty acids: Help reduce inflammation and support brain function.
Curcumin: A potent anti-inflammatory derived from turmeric.
Glutathione: The body’s master antioxidant, critical for detoxification. It can be taken orally, through IV therapy, or as a nebulized treatment.
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To address sinus-related issues, nasal sprays can help clear the sinuses and reduce inflammation. Common options include:
BEG spray (Bactroban, EDTA, and Gentamicin) to treat nasal infections.
Silver or xylitol sprays
Essential OilSprays
Navage or Neti Pot
Manuka Honey Spray
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For those with genetic susceptibility (HLA-DR), immune modulation may be necessary to retrain the body’s immune system to handle biotoxins. This may involve using:
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) to balance the immune response.
Nutritional support, including vitamin D and probiotics, to strengthen immune function.
Support the Vagus Nerve and brain retraining, such as meditation, humming, or programs like Gupta or DNRS.
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It’s essential to optimize the body’s detox pathways to help clear mold toxins more efficiently. This can include:
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water to support kidney function and toxin removal.
Liver support: Milk thistle, NAC (N-acetyl cysteine), and dandelion root can help the liver process and eliminate toxins.
Sauna therapy: Regular sweating through infrared saunas can aid in detoxification.