Utah's Premier CIRS Treatment Center
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
CIRS is a multi-system, multi-symptom illness caused by exposure to biotoxins, most commonly from water-damaged buildings. Our clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of this complex condition using the Shoemaker Protocol.
Understanding CIRS
Learn About CIRS Treatment
Watch our educational video to understand what CIRS is, how it affects your body, and how our comprehensive treatment approach can help you recover.
Short introduction to CIRS and our treatment approach
Want to learn more? Watch our comprehensive 17-minute educational video.
Watch Full CIRS VideoWhat is CIRS?
A Complex Multi-System Illness
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is an acute and chronic inflammatory response caused by exposure to the interior environment of water-damaged buildings (WDB), as well as other biotoxin sources like certain tick-borne infections.
Approximately 25% of the population has a genetic susceptibility (HLA-DR gene) that prevents their immune system from properly recognizing and eliminating biotoxins. In these individuals, biotoxins remain in the body, triggering a persistent inflammatory response.
This chronic inflammation affects virtually every system in the body, leading to the wide range of symptoms that characterize CIRS. Without proper treatment, symptoms typically persist and can worsen over time.
Common Symptoms
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?
CIRS presents with a wide range of symptoms that often overlap with other conditions, making it frequently misdiagnosed. Common symptoms include:
Experiencing multiple symptoms? You may be a candidate for CIRS evaluation.
Request EvaluationOur Approach
The Shoemaker Protocol
We follow the evidence-based Shoemaker Protocol, a systematic approach to treating CIRS developed by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, the physician who first identified and characterized this illness.
Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a thorough evaluation including detailed history, visual contrast sensitivity testing, and CIRS-specific laboratory markers to confirm diagnosis.
Source Identification & Removal
Identifying and eliminating ongoing biotoxin exposure is critical. We help you assess your environment and develop remediation strategies.
Biotoxin Binding & Elimination
Using proven binding agents like cholestyramine or welchol to capture and remove biotoxins from your system.
Address MARCoNS
Testing and treating Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci, a common nasal colonization in CIRS patients.
Correct Inflammatory Markers
Systematically addressing elevated inflammatory markers including C4a, TGF-beta1, MMP-9, and others through targeted interventions.
Hormone & Immune Regulation
Restoring proper hormone function and immune regulation, including addressing ADH, MSH, VIP, and other disrupted pathways.
Diagnostic Testing
CIRS-Specific Laboratory Markers
Diagnosis of CIRS requires specific laboratory testing that goes beyond standard blood panels. We utilize the full panel of CIRS biomarkers to confirm diagnosis and track treatment progress.
C4a
Complement activation marker
TGF-beta1
Inflammatory cytokine
MMP-9
Matrix metalloproteinase
MSH
Melanocyte stimulating hormone
VIP
Vasoactive intestinal peptide
VEGF
Vascular endothelial growth factor
ADH/Osmolality
Antidiuretic hormone regulation
MARCoNS
Nasal culture for resistant staph
In-Depth Education
Comprehensive CIRS Overview
This detailed 17-minute video provides an in-depth look at CIRS, including the science behind the illness, diagnostic criteria, and our treatment approach.
Why Provo Health
Specialized CIRS Expertise
Certified Practitioners
Our team has completed advanced training in the Shoemaker Protocol and stays current with the latest CIRS research.
Comprehensive Testing
We offer the full panel of CIRS biomarkers, genetic testing, and environmental assessments to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Integrated Therapies
Beyond the Shoemaker Protocol, we offer complementary treatments including hyperbaric oxygen therapy and IV support.