Since type 2 inflammation (T2I) can be impacted by numerous things, including allergens and irritants, effective treatment for T2I-affected conditions requires both a medical and a lifestyle approach.
It’s important that you start with understanding your personal triggers since everyone’s triggers are different. Common ones include those related to your living environment, lifestyle choices, or even what you eat.1, 2
However, there are ways to help reduce what triggers you; to start, try to create a trigger-free environment. For instance, try to move away from odors or secondhand smoke as soon as you detect it. Additionally, take a look at specific areas in your home where small changes can have a big impact, including:1,2
Besides addressing potential areas that can harbor triggers in your environment, you also need to take care of yourself. That means:1
While it’s never a good thing to have a T2I medical condition, today there are numerous medications that are highly effective. Depending on your disease, your doctor may start you on medications, such as:1
If these options don’t work, doctors now have a host of targeted therapies designed to block the effects of those inflammatory cytokines. They’re called biologics. These are special medications made from living organisms that target specific parts of the immune system. Think of them as smart missiles that only hit their intended targets unlike traditional medications that act as random bombs throughout the body.3
Below is a table that shows the available biologics and the diseases they are approved to treat. Selection of the medication best for you can depend on the condition and how severe it is, as well as additional factors, such as your age, if your condition requires persistent use of steroids, as well as any coexisting conditions also affected by T2I that might be present. Not all biologics are approved for every condition, nor for every age. All the medications listed (except reslizumab) require an injection, and most have pens and other devices that make it easier to give yourself the shot; reslizumab is given with an IV infusion. Common side effects for biologics are mild, including headaches and injection site reactions, although a few may also affect eye health.
Always talk to your doctor about possible side effects with any medication you are prescribed, how to manage them, and when it might be time to switch to a different drug if you can’t tolerate them. Your doctor should also ensure that whomever is being prescribed the biologic (you or your child) are up to date on all immunizations.4-12
All URLs Accessed Feburary 5, 2025
