CIRS, MCAS, MOLD & MYCOTOXINS, ALPHA-GAL ALLERGY
CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome)
CIRS is a pro-inflammatory syndrome that can affect almost every organ system and tissue in the body. It is thought to be caused by an immune or autoimmune response to environmental triggers or pathogens that release bio- or endoxins into the body. Tick-borne diseases and toxic mold exposure often cause or contribute substantially to cause CIRS.
These toxins can over-rev one's immune system, thus creating inflammatory responses and chemical changes (e.g. cytokines, interleukins,), a shift to the immune system itself like T2 dominance, neurotransmitters, pathway processing, signal crossing, pain, epigenetic, and hormonal changes.
It can also develop into an auto-immune situation in which the immune system no longer differentiates between one's own healthy, normal cells and foreign "invaders", and thus mistakenly "attacks" healthy tissues, organs, and cells.
While there are no definitive tests for CIRS, testing for Human Leukocyte Antigen (specifically HLADR/DQ) can help indicate one's susceptibility to it. There are also certain biomarkers that have been found to be commonly associated with CIRS.
MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
Mast cells are part of our immune system. They are formed in the bone marrow and inhabit nearly every part of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract, lymph nodes, the lining of our airways and blood vessels, near our mucous membranes, and the skin. Everyone has mast cells in their body, and they play many complex and critical roles in keeping us healthy. They help protect us from infection, and assist in our body's inflammatory process. However, mast cells are also involved in allergic reactions, from the tiny (or not so tiny) swelling that appears after a mosquito bite to life-threatening, full-blown anaphylaxis.
There are many root causes of MCAS. Bacterial and viral infections, mold toxicity, hormone dysregulation, and sensitivity to EMFs are some of the most common. Genetics may also play a role; many individuals with Ehlers-danlos Syndrome, for example, have a propensity to develop a mast cell disorder.
Mast cells contain granules that are surrounded by membranes. These sacs contain a vast variety of chemical mediators, which participate in all of the roles above and are selectively released when there is an allergic or mast cell-based reaction. This is termed "degranulation".
When functioning normally they are our protective soldiers, but in someone with mast cell activation syndrome, they activate inappropriately in response to triggers that would otherwise be considered benign to us. For example, you might be eating a food you've eaten all of your life with no problem, or are around your grandmother's perfume that you associate with fond memories as a child, then...whamo. Leftovers from just yesterday, that scented lotion you've used forever, the smokey bonfire down the street suddenly, without warning, give you respiratory distress, hives, stomach pain, swollen eyes and tongue, an itchy mouth, and you might even pass out from a condition called POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) where your heart rate increase and your blood pressure drops. You find yourself in a very scary and severe situation, and must seek medical help immediately.
NOTE: everyone with a mast cell disorder MUST have access to their epipens at all times.
There are several other types of mast cell-related disorders and also mast cell cancer. One of the most common is a conditional called mastocytosis. This is when one has too many mast cells.
Please refer to The Mast Cell Disease Society at https://tmsforacure.org for other related diseases.
Treatment typically involves the use of antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. Sometimes a benzodiapine is useful (mast cells have benzodiapene receptors on them), and some people find certain biological medications helpful. Adapting a low-histamine is advisable.
Many people with a mast cell disorder must have their medications compounded because they react to binders, fillers, dyes, flavorings, and preservatives found in over-the-counter or "regular" pharmacy prescriptions. Some have difficulty with adhesives and elastics.
Some "natural" mast cell modulators can help, too, as can hormonal balancing and addressing the gut microbiome.
Special masks with carbon filters and air purifiers can help to provide protection from offending odors and smoke.
Testing for MCAS and other related disorders can be difficult. Many well-intended practitioners will perform a tryptase test. Histamine and several prostaglandins might also be measured. There are, however, downfalls with this testing. All of the above is often normal and *might* only be able to be detected in an acute, severe flare. Additionally, samples must be collected, stored, and shipped properly to the particular laboratories that run these tests. Due to such testing woes, mast cell-literate practitioners will often base a diagnosis on clinical symptoms, triggers, and one's response to H1 and H2 antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers (all three might be necessary in moderate to severe cases; steroids might be added too ).
Intestinal or bone marrow biopsies can be quite useful in diagnosing MCAS and other mast cell disorders, and. An underlying KIT mutation (mostly KIT D816V) can help differentiate if one's MCAS is clonal or non-clonal.
MOLD & MYCOTOXINS
Molds are a type of fungi that produce airborne spores, and the spores produce mold toxins called mycotoxins. In nature, molds are important decomposers of organic materials, are considered by some to be edible delicacies. They also can serve as medicinal aides as stand-alones and in the production of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals.
However, once mold establishes and grows in the indoor spaces we inhabit and the toxins are now circulating in the air that we breathe, they can contribute to or be the root cause of health problems. Water-damaged buildings are a primary reservoir for mold colonies to thrive; some can be seen while some are hidden within the walls, behind wall paper, paint, and drywall, on structural support beams, and in HVAC systems and ductwork. These areas can also become breeding grounds for some bacteria that produce endotoxins.
*Proper mold removal and remediation must be done by vetted specialists.*
A sundry of symptoms can result from mold toxicity. Upper and lower respiratory issues, including fungal infections of the lungs and sinus cavities, MARCONS, sore throat, cough, wheezing and shortness of breath are among them. It can also lead to an autoimmune condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In the gut, SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth) might emerge. Candida is the most prominent causative agent of SIFO but other fungal species have been noted as well. Common symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, a feeling of fullness, belching, diarrhea, nausea, and weight gain or loss.
Continued exposure can affect literally every part of the body, including the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. A wide net of symptoms can result, such as headaches, unexplained fatigue, food sensitivities, joint, muscle, and bone pain, depression, anxiety, cognitive and memory issues, other psychological issues and psychosis, rashes, random flushing, and hives. Anaphylaxis can also result. Multiple chemical sensitivity and mast cell activation disorder are very frequent complications that can arise from mold toxicity.
Fortunately, there are specialty labs that can determine which specific mycotoxins one has. This allows treatment protocols to be tailored to the individual verses using a one-size-fits-all approach of binders and antifungals that would not be effective for everyone.
AGS (ALPHA-GAL SYNDROME)
AGS is a true allergy to everything mammal and mammal by-products by way of an allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, a sugar molecule found in most mammals, but not in humans. It can be confirmed by a simple blood allergy test to that molecule, and most standard labs can run it. Originally thought to be transmitted only through lone star tick bites, AGS is now recognized as being able to be transmitted by several other tick species as well.
AGS can present as stomach upset, pain, diarrhea, and bloating, hives, and other allergic reactions like itchy, swollen eyes, mucous membranes, and can involve the respiratory and airway systems. Lips and tongue swelling can also occur, as can full-on anaphylaxis. These reactions can happen immediately or 4-6 hours later when the digestion process is completing.
Those with AGS should have access to their epipens at all times.
Direct consumption of beef, pork, deer, lamb, rabbit, etc., and often dairy, must be avoided. Mammal byproducts must usually be as well. For some, pet and livestock hair, dander, and feces can also cause reactivity. Lanolin is a frequent ingredient used in personal care items and is a derivative of wool. Certain common medications like heparin and Lactated Ringer's solution have mammalian content.
One of the most prominent "hidden" mammalian sources that those with AGS must be acutely aware are in the form of byproducts in prescriptions, vaccines, and over-the-counter medications. Common ones are gelatin capsules, mammalian magnesium stearate, and lactose. Carrageen, a red seaweed often used as a food preservative or thickening agent has a molecular structure closely related to that of galactose-α-1,3-galactose that the body interprets it as such.
Topically-applied or injected medications, toiletries and other personal hygiene products, cleaning and disinfecting agents, and mammalian valve replacements, implants, and sutures must be avoided.
Many water filtration systems and pre-packaged bottled water use bone char as their carbon filtering agent. Gobs of research goes into being completely mammal-free.
Many people with AGS are "fume-sensitive", meaning that they can't be around the cooking of meats and dairy. Cross-contamination in restaurants (or at home) by way of cooking utensils, pans, and grills often occurs despite the chef's best efforts to avoid it. Even open glassware can be an issue if, for example, the server touches the lip of a glass or cup after handling meat.
There is no known cure for AGS. Some people have success with alternative treatments like SAAT and allergy elimination protocols, and new biological medications are on the scene. Strict avoidance of mammal and mammal-containing products and prevention of tick bites is most commonly advised.