Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric Care located in Midwood, Brooklyn, NY
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Quickly find the information you need about neuro-immune care, CIRS, and family guidance.
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General
Understanding
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Mold Illness (CIRS) Specific
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Diagnosis
& Treatment
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Family Concerns & Practical Steps
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🧠 General Understanding
Start here to understand how the brain and immune system work together — and why inflammation can affect mood, behavior, and overall well-being.
What does “neuro-immune care” mean?
Neuro-immune care focuses on how the immune system and brain interact. When inflammation affects the brain, it can lead to symptoms like anxiety, OCD, or behavioral changes.
What is the difference between PANDAS and PANS?
PANDAS is triggered by a strep infection, while PANS can be caused by various infections or environmental triggers like mold, viruses, or toxins.
How are PANS and mold illness (CIRS) connected?
Mold toxins can trigger inflammation in the body and brain, leading to symptoms that look similar to infection-driven PANS.
Can mold really cause psychiatric symptoms in children?
Yes. Mold toxins can affect the nervous system and cause mood changes, sleep issues, and brain fog—especially in sensitive children.
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🏠 Mold Illness (CIRS) Specific
Learn what CIRS means, how mold exposure can impact children’s health, and the signs that may indicate your home environment plays a role.
What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)?
CIRS is a long-lasting immune reaction to toxins from mold or bacteria in water-damaged buildings. It can affect energy, focus, mood, and sleep.
What are common symptoms of mold illness in kids?
Fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, anxiety, OCD, poor sleep, headaches, and behavioral regression.
How can I tell if my home might have mold?
Signs include musty smells, visible mold, water damage, or your child’s symptoms improving when away from home.
Is mold illness the same as a mold allergy?
No. Mold allergy causes sneezing or itchy eyes, while CIRS is a deeper immune system reaction that affects the whole body.
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🔬 Diagnosis & Treatment
Find out how we identify and treat mold-related illness safely and effectively, with gentle, evidence-based steps tailored for children.
How do you diagnose mold illness (CIRS)?
We start with your child’s medical and environmental history, review possible exposure, and may use labs or a treatment trial to confirm CIRS.
Do you recommend testing for mold toxins?
Yes, though it can cost around $400. Many families begin with a clinical treatment trial before ordering labs.
What does treatment for mold illness involve?
Treatment focuses on removing exposure, supporting detox pathways, and calming inflammation with safe, evidence-based steps.
Are the treatments safe for children?
Absolutely. All interventions are gentle, child-appropriate, and closely monitored by our team.
How long does recovery from mold illness take?
Every child is different. Most families see steady improvements within weeks to months of treatment.
💬 Family Concerns & Practical Steps
Explore what parents can do right now — from evaluating your home to finding trusted resources and supporting your child’s recovery journey.
How do you diagnose mold illness (CIRS)?
We start with your child’s medical and environmental history, review possible exposure, and may use labs or a treatment trial to confirm CIRS.
Do you recommend testing for mold toxins?
Yes, though it can cost around $400. Many families begin with a clinical treatment trial before ordering labs.
What does treatment for mold illness involve?
Treatment focuses on removing exposure, supporting detox pathways, and calming inflammation with safe, evidence-based steps.
Are the treatments safe for children?
Absolutely. All interventions are gentle, child-appropriate, and closely monitored by our team.
How long does recovery from mold illness take?
Every child is different. Most families see steady improvements within weeks to months of treatment.