Type 2 Inflammation Awareness Week 2026

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) designates May 18-22 to be Type 2 Inflammation Awareness Week. Conditions such as asthma, allergies, eczema, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and nasal polyps are often caused by type 2 inflammation.

“A common thread among asthma and many allergic diseases is type 2 inflammation,” said Melanie Carver, Chief Mission Officer at AAFA. “We want to take this week to focus attention on how these conditions are linked together. Understanding the underlying causes and common triggers of these related chronic conditions is paramount to improve the health of over 100 million people in the United States.”

What Is Type 2 Inflammation?

Everyone has something called a type 2 immune response. When your body senses certain kinds of “intruders,” it sends out specific immune cells to fight a battle against the intruders. In some people, these immune cells mistakenly overreact and can end up damaging the body itself. This overactive immune response is called type 2 inflammation.

What Diseases Are Connected by Type 2 Inflammation?

• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema
• Food allergies
• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
• Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS)
• Nasal polyps, also known as chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
• Prurigo nodularis

It is common for people with type 2 inflammation to have more than one type 2 inflammatory disease. If you have symptoms like coughing, itching, congestion, sneezing, or difficulty eating foods, talk with your doctor.

“In many cases, early diagnosis can make a big difference. This starts with awareness and recognition,” said Carver.  “Type 2 inflammatory conditions impact millions of people, but there are options available for managing and caring for these conditions.”

What Triggers Type 2 Inflammatory Diseases?

Type 2 inflammation can be triggered by allergens, irritants, and infections. One common allergen in particular—pollen—is a culprit for worsening many of these conditions. While many people associate pollen with nasal allergies, pollen can trigger several conditions associated with type 2 inflammation. These include asthma, atopic dermatitis, EoE, nasal polyps, and pollen food allergy syndrome.

For more information, visit:
May Is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month: aafa.org/awareness
Type 2 Inflammation: aafa.org/type2