Type 2 Inflammation (Allergic Conditions) Awareness Week
Type 2 Inflammation (Allergic Conditions) Awareness Week 2026
May 18–22, 2026 · Part of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
ONE FIRE, MANY FLAMES: THE IMMUNE RESPONSE FUELING ALLERGIC CONDITIONS
A common thread links a community of (allergic and inflammatory) diseases: asthma, allergies, atopic dermatitis, nasal polyps, chronic hives, eosinophilic esophagitis, and mast cell disorders. It’s an overactive immune response known as type 2 inflammation. Learn what it is, how it works, and what new treatments mean for you. #AllergyAwareness #Inflammation
The conditions connected by type 2 inflammation
Asthma
Allergic and eosinophilic asthma is driven by inflammation in the airways that causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness/pain, and shortness of breath.
Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema – a chronic skin inflammation that causes itch, rash, and flares.
Allergies
Seasonal and year-round allergies triggered by pollen and other environmental allergens like mold or animal dander cause sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Food Allergies
Immune overreaction to foods that can range from mild symptoms to serious (anaphylaxis).
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)★
Inflammation in the esophagus makes swallowing painful or difficult.
★Featured this week – we are also celebrating National Eosinophil Awareness Week and World EoE Day (May 22).
Chronic hives
Raised itchy bumps happen almost daily for more than 6 weeks.
Nasal polyps
Inflammation-driven growths and congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergy symptoms in the nose and eyes triggered by allergic responses to pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal allergens.
The conditions connected by type 2 inflammation
Asthma
Allergic and eosinophilic asthma is driven by inflammation in the airways that causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness/pain, and shortness of breath.
Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema – a chronic skin inflammation that causes itch, rash, and flares.
Allergies
Seasonal and year-round allergies triggered by pollen and other environmental allergens like mold or animal dander cause sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Food Allergies
Immune overreaction to foods that can range from mild symptoms to serious (anaphylaxis).
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)★
Inflammation in the esophagus makes swallowing painful or difficult.
★Featured this week – we are also celebrating National Eosinophil Awareness Week and World EoE Day (May 22).
Chronic hives
Raised itchy bumps happen almost daily for more than 6 weeks.
Nasal polyps
Inflammation-driven growths and congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergy symptoms in the nose and eyes triggered by allergic responses to pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal allergens.
The conditions connected by type 2 inflammation
Asthma
Allergic and eosinophilic asthma is driven by inflammation in the airways that causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness/pain, and shortness of breath.
Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema – a chronic skin inflammation that causes itch, rash, and flares.
Allergies
Seasonal and year-round allergies triggered by pollen and other environmental allergens like mold or animal dander cause sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Food allergies
Immune overreaction to foods that can range from mild symptoms to serious (anaphylaxis).
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) ★
Inflammation in the esophagus makes swallowing painful or difficult.
★Featured this week – we are also celebrating National Eosinophil Awareness Week and World EoE Day (May 22)
Chronic hives
Raised itchy bumps happen almost daily for more than 6 weeks.
Nasal polyps
Inflammation-driven growths and congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Allergic rhinitis
Allergy symptoms in the nose and eyes triggered by allergic responses to pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal allergens.
Other conditions that may be driven in part by type 2 inflammation include:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Sinusitis
- Pollen food allergy syndrome / oral allergy syndrome
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Mast cell disorders like systemic mastocytosis
- Prurigo nodularis
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
- Aspirin-exacerbate respiratory disease (AERD)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES)
FEATURED PODCAST
One Fire, Many Flames Asthma. Seasonal allergies. Food allergies. Eczema. Nasal polyps. Eosinophilic esophagitis. What if these aren’t separate problems – but different expressions of the same one? Listen as Dr. Dave Stukus explains how allergic conditions are connected – and how some treatments target, block, or change the immune system’s response. |
Key Messages
 | These conditions are connected – not coincidentalType 2 inflammation is a shared biological root cause linking asthma, allergies, eczema, EoE, and more. Many people have more than one allergic condition. |
 | Your immune system’s alarm system can get stuck in the “on” positionType 2 inflammation is an overactive immune response involving key cells like eosinophils and mast cells. When this response doesn’t switch off, it drives chronic symptoms. |
 | New treatments target the source of the fire, not just the single flamesA new generation of biologic medicines targets type 2 inflammation directly – and can treat multiple conditions at once. |
 | Knowledge is powerUnderstanding how your conditions are connected helps you ask better questions and participate actively in your care. AAFA’s resources are here to help. |
Campaign Pillars
CONNECTEDNESS: Community
Just as these conditions share a common thread, so do the people living with them. You are not alone – and connection is part of treatment too.
PREPAREDNESS: Education
A prepared patient is an empowered one. We provide tools, guides, and decision aids to help you and your care team take the right next steps.