Mold is a common but often underestimated environmental hazard that can have a significant impact on long-term health. While most people think of mold as a surface-level issue—something to clean up with bleach and forget—chronic exposure to mold, particularly from water-damaged indoor environments, can trigger persistent inflammation and a complex condition known as biotoxin illness.
Mold thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as basements, bathrooms, HVAC systems, crawl spaces, and buildings with a history of leaks or flooding. Many individuals unknowingly spend hours each day in mold-contaminated environments at home, work, or school. Unfortunately, symptoms of mold exposure are often vague and multisystemic, making them easy to misdiagnose as chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, autoimmune disease, or even psychosomatic illness.
Unlike acute mold allergies, which are typically short-lived and seasonal, chronic mold-related illness results from an ongoing immune response to biotoxins produced by certain mold species. These biotoxins are not easily eliminated from the body, especially in individuals with certain genetic profiles that impair detoxification. Over time, these toxins can disrupt immune signaling, mitochondrial function, hormonal balance, and the nervous system—leading to a range of persistent symptoms.
At Restorative Medicine Center in Rochester Hills, we specialize in identifying and treating the full-body effects of mold exposure. Our approach is comprehensive, rooted in functional medicine, and tailored to the individual. We focus on finding the true source of the illness—not just managing symptoms—so patients can achieve meaningful, long-term recovery.
What Is Mold Illness (CIRS)?
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a condition marked by persistent immune system activation due to exposure to biotoxins—particularly those produced by mold in water-damaged buildings. Unlike seasonal mold allergies, CIRS is not driven by histamine or traditional allergic pathways. Instead, it represents a dysfunction of the innate immune system, leading to chronic, systemic inflammation that affects multiple organ systems.
CIRS was first described by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, a physician who identified a consistent pattern of symptoms and immune markers in patients exposed to mold and other biotoxins. His work helped establish the connection between mold exposure and a reproducible set of immune, hormonal, and neurological dysfunctions. The Shoemaker Protocol remains a valuable clinical framework for evaluating and managing patients with suspected mold-related illness.
What makes mold illness especially difficult to diagnose is its non-specific and multisystem presentation. CIRS often mimics other conditions such as:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME)
- Fibromyalgia
- Autoimmune diseases
- Anxiety and depression
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Hormonal imbalances
- Post-viral syndromes
Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure
Mold-related illness presents with a wide range of symptoms that often affect multiple body systems simultaneously. These symptoms can be persistent, fluctuate over time, and are frequently misattributed to unrelated diagnoses. Understanding the full clinical picture is essential for identifying mold as the underlying cause.
Neurological Symptoms
- Brain fog and poor concentration
- Short-term memory issues
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Headaches or pressure sensations
Respiratory Symptoms
- Chronic sinus congestion or post-nasal drip
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath or "air hunger"
- Exacerbation of asthma or wheezing
Dermatological Symptoms
- Unexplained rashes or hives
- Itchy skin or scalp
- Sensitivity to personal care products
Musculoskeletal Symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Muscle aches and cramping
- Unexplained weakness or fatigue after exertion
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Bloating and abdominal discomfort
- Nausea without an obvious cause
- Food intolerances or sudden dietary sensitivities
- Altered bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
Psychological and Cognitive Symptoms
- Anxiety or frequent mood swings
- Panic episodes with no clear trigger
- Sleep disturbances or unrefreshing sleep
- Emotional reactivity or irritability
Hormonal and Autonomic Symptoms
- Low libido
- Menstrual irregularities
- Temperature regulation issues (feeling hot/cold without cause)
- Fatigue that does not improve with rest
Diagnosis of Mold-Related Illness at Restorative Medicine Center
Functional Medicine Intake and Exposure History
Every evaluation begins with a detailed intake process that includes:
- Comprehensive medical history
- Review of past diagnoses and treatment responses
- Environmental exposure assessment (home, workplace, school, etc.)
- Symptom timeline and patterns over time
We look for red flags such as:
- Living in or working in a water-damaged building
- History of recurrent, unexplained illness
- Symptoms affecting multiple systems without clear diagnosis
Use of Validated Diagnostic Tools
CIRS Diagnostic Criteria
We evaluate against the established criteria for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), which includes:
- Documented exposure to a water-damaged building
- Positive Visual Contrast Sensitivity test
- Abnormal inflammatory markers
- Genetic susceptibility (HLA-DR typing)
- Multisystem symptoms without alternative explanation
Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Testing
This non-invasive, vision-based screening tool evaluates neurological function related to contrast detection, which is often impaired in individuals with mold biotoxin exposure. A failed VCS test is commonly used as an early indicator of CIRS and guides further testing.
Laboratory Testing for Mold-Related Illness
Once a history of potential mold exposure is established and clinical suspicion is high, laboratory testing is used to confirm immune dysregulation and biotoxin load. Restorative Medicine Center uses a targeted panel of advanced functional and specialty tests to capture the full picture.
Urine Mycotoxin Testing
- Performed through Great Plains Laboratory or RealTime Labs
- Detects mold-derived toxins such as ochratoxin A, gliotoxin, aflatoxins, and trichothecenes
- Helps assess both recent and cumulative biotoxin exposure
Inflammatory and Vasoactive Markers
Mold-related biotoxins activate the immune system and vascular regulation pathways, which can be tracked through specific blood markers:
- C4a – complement system activation
- TGF-β1 – immune modulation and tissue fibrosis
- MMP-9 – tissue breakdown and chronic inflammation
- VEGF – blood vessel growth and oxygen delivery
- VIP – regulatory neuropeptide often depleted in mold-related illness
HLA-DR Genetic Testing
- Identifies whether a patient carries genotypes associated with reduced ability to clear biotoxins
- Approximately 25% of the population may have these gene types, increasing susceptibility to chronic mold illness
MARCoNS Nasal Swab (if applicable)
- Tests for Multiple Antibiotic-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci
- MARCoNS colonization in the sinuses can perpetuate inflammation in mold-sensitive individuals
- Eradication may be required as part of treatment
Hormonal, Immune, and Mitochondrial Panels
- Functional assessment of cortisol, DHEA, and sex hormones
- Immune panels including immunoglobulin levels and vitamin D ratios
- Mitochondrial health markers (e.g., CoQ10, carnitine, organic acids) to evaluate energy production and oxidative stress
Mold Treatment Approach at Restorative Medicine Center
Elimination of Exposure
- The first and most essential step is to remove the patient from ongoing mold exposure.
- This includes:
- Environmental history review
- Guidance on home or workplace air testing
- Connection to qualified mold inspection and remediation professionals
- Without removing the source, the body cannot effectively recover—no matter how advanced the treatment.
Toxin Binding Agents
- Biotoxins are fat-soluble and recirculate unless actively bound and eliminated.
- Specific binders are chosen based on mycotoxin type and patient tolerance:
- Cholestyramine – prescription bile acid sequestrant for mold biotoxins
- Activated charcoal – broad-spectrum binding
- Bentonite clay or zeolite – for additional GI-based detox support
Binders are taken away from food, supplements, and medications to avoid nutrient loss.
Anti-Inflammatory and Detoxification Support
- The inflammatory load must be reduced to prevent further tissue damage and symptom escalation.
- Strategies include:
- Glutathione – master antioxidant for toxin processing and mitochondrial protection
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and alpha-lipoic acid – for liver and cellular detox pathways
- Omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, and quercetin – to calm immune activation
- Electrolyte and mineral repletion – especially magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins
Detox is always paced according to patient capacity and symptom response.
Mitochondrial and Hormonal Repair
Chronic mold exposure often disrupts both energy production and hormonal regulation. As the body detoxifies, restoring cellular energy and endocrine function is essential for long-term recovery.
- Mitochondrial support may include:
- CoQ10
- L-carnitine
- PQQ
- B-complex vitamins
- Organic acids (based on OAT testing)
- Hormonal optimization addresses:
- HPA axis dysfunction (cortisol and DHEA imbalances)
- Thyroid dysregulation
- Sex hormone depletion due to chronic stress and inflammation
Nervous System Regulation
Many patients with mold-related illness exhibit signs of limbic system overactivation and vagal nerve dysfunction, contributing to persistent symptoms even after detox begins.
Regulation strategies include:
- Limbic retraining programs (e.g., DNRS, Gupta Program)
- Breathwork and vagus nerve stimulation
- Sleep optimization and circadian rhythm reset
- Neuroplasticity-based therapies to support recovery from environmental injury
Supportive Therapies
Adjunctive therapies can accelerate healing by reducing oxidative stress, supporting detox pathways, and improving tissue oxygenation.
These may include:
- Glutathione (oral, liposomal, or IV)
- Far infrared (Far IR) sauna for sweating and lymphatic drainage
- Red light therapy to support cellular repair and mitochondrial function
- Nutrient IV therapy for repletion of depleted minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants
All therapies are personalized and monitored for response.
Get Tested, Get Answers — Start Recovering
Mold-related illness is frequently overlooked, misdiagnosed, or dismissed—but it is real, measurable, and treatable. If you've been experiencing persistent symptoms without answers, and suspect your environment may be contributing, early evaluation is essential.
At Restorative Medicine Center, Dr. Teresa Birkmeier-Fredal and her team provide a comprehensive, lab-guided, and personalized approach to diagnosing and treating mold-related illness. Using advanced testing, functional medicine protocols, and the Root Cause Triad™ framework, we help patients uncover hidden exposures, calm the immune system, and begin a structured path to healing.
Contact Information
📍 Restorative Medicine Center
705 Barclay Circle, Suite 115
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
📞 Phone: 248.289.6349
📠 Fax: 248.289.6923
🕘 Office Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri: Closed
🌐 Website: www.restorativemedcenter.com
📩 Email: drbirkmeier@gmail.com