Several medical conditions are commonly associated with type 2 inflammation (T2I). They typically affect the respiratory system, skin, and digestive tract, including:
Asthma. T2I affects up to 51% of people with uncontrolled asthma and 55% to 70% of people with severe asthma. In asthma, T2I causes airway swelling and tightening, making breathing difficult and leading to coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.1,2
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). About 40% of people with this lung disease show evidence of type 2 inflammation. This subtype of COPD typically leads to a greater number of flares, or exacerbations.5,6
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by grape-like projections of polyps within the nasal cavity. This leads to congestion, post-nasal drip, facial pressure or pain, runny nose, and loss of smell. About 80% of CRwNP cases have underlying type 2 inflammation. People with CRwNP are also more likely to have asthma.7-9
Atopic dermatitis (AD). Also known as eczema, AD is a chronic skin condition marked by dry, itchy, scaly, inflamed patches of skin. With eczema, T2I affects your skin by weakening the skin barrier and causing intense itching and red, scaly patches.1,2
Bullous pemphigoid (BP). An autoimmune blistering disease that mainly occurs in the elderly. T2I plays a central role in BP, with IgE antibodies found in 70% – 85% of patients.11
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).Also known as chronic hives, is an autoimmune condition marked by recurrent hives, swelling, and itching that may last for months or even years. Increased levels of type 2 inflammatory markers are found in the skin of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.12
Prurigo nodularis (PN). This is another chronic skin condition marked by itchy nodules on the legs, arms, and body. While the exact cause of PN isn’t clear, there is clear evidence that T2I plays a role.15
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). This is a chronic condition of the esophagus, the tube that delivers food from the mouth to the stomach. Proteins in food trigger the T2I response, leading to inflammation, trouble swallowing, food getting stuck, and chronic heartburn.2
Food allergies. T2I can cause food allergies by creating specific IgE antibodies to foods causing hives, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.2
Your healthcare providers can diagnose T2I with skin, blood, and breathing tests, including:
If you have one T2I disease, you’re far more likely to have another. This is called a “comorbid” condition. In fact, nearly six out of 10 people with one T2I condition have at least one other. The good news is that one treatment may help with these other coexisting conditions also affected by T2I.19
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