Expert Recap: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and CIRS Mast cells are immune cells that are concentrated in your gut lining, sinuses, lungs, skin, and urinary tract. When they detect a threat, they release a cascade of chemical signals to sound the alarm. Normally this works well: threat detected, alarm raised, immune system responds, threat … [Read more...]
Expert Recap: CIRS vs. Mold Allergies Although CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and a mold allergy are both triggered by mold, that is where the similarities end. In a mold allergy, when the trigger is removed, the immune system calms down, symptoms resolve. Antihistamines moderate symptoms. It is uncomfortable, but it follows … [Read more...]
Mold Remediation & Your Recovery: Practical Steps for Creating a Safe Environment *Note: this blog was written by me, Mark Volmer. All spelling mistakes, misquotes, errors, and omissions are my own doing. It is not AI generated. The image, however, is AI generated* For people healing from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), mold … [Read more...]
CIRS and Gut Health: Why Mycotoxins Often Trigger Digestive Issues *Note: this blog was written by me, Mark Volmer. All spelling mistakes, misquotes, errors, and omissions are my own doing. It is not AI generated. The image, however, is AI generated* If you’ve been living with chronic gut issues like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, SIBO that … [Read more...]
Traveling With CIRS: How to Stay Safe on Planes, Hotels & Airbnb *Note: this blog was written by me, Mark Volmer. All spelling mistakes, misquotes, errors, and omissions are my own doing. It is not AI generated.* Lena had been looking forward to this retreat for months. Three nights in Bali, reconnecting with friends, some sun. She deserved … [Read more...]
Why Some Patients Don’t Respond to Binders (and What to Try Next) *Note: this blog was written by me, Mark Volmer. All spelling mistakes, misquotes, errors, and omissions are my own doing. It is not AI generated.* I’ve been taking my binders daily for months,” Erin said, her voice tired but hopeful, “but I still drag. My brain fog cycles. I feel … [Read more...]
Expert Recap: Post-Exertional Malaise in CIRS Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is not tiredness. It is a disproportionate, often delayed worsening of your baseline symptoms after any type of exertion. The crash often doesn't arrive until 12 to 48 hours after the activity that caused it, and recovery can take days or, in severe cases, much longer. As … [Read more...]
Expert Recap: How to Manage Social Boundaries when you have CIRS Community and support is key to CIRS recovery, but socializing can drain your already low battery. To connect with friends in a way that works for you, follow these four boundaries: Control your environment: Reduce sensory overload before it starts by getting together with … [Read more...]