Ep. 104: Achieving Control in Type 2 Inflammation
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
We thank Sanofi and Regeneron for sponsoring this episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 104:
What does "control" mean when managing allergic conditions, and how can you achieve it?
When you have asthma, eczema, nasal polyps, or other conditions caused by type 2 inflammation, reaching a state of control can dramatically improve your quality of life. But what does "control" really mean? Is it the same as a cure? And what steps should you take if your current treatment isn't working?
In this episode, Dr. Payel Gupta and Kortney dive deep into the idea of control in the context of Type 2 inflammation. They explain that control doesn't mean you'll never experience symptoms again. Rather, it's about having fewer, milder flare-ups and the freedom to live your life more comfortably.
Dr. Gupta explains what control means for various conditions, why it matters, and how recognizing signs of poor control can protect against long-term complications. Kortney shares her own experience managing asthma and eczema with biologics, highlighting why symptom tracking and regular check-ins with your doctor are essential, even when you’re feeling good.
What we cover in our episode about achieving control over Type 2 inflammation:
Defining Control in Type 2 Inflammation: Learn what control actually looks like. Discover the difference between controlling symptoms and curing the condition entirely.
Why Achieving Control Matters: Find out why uncontrolled Type 2 inflammation can lead to worsening symptoms, frequent hospital visits, increased medication needs, and significantly impact your day-to-day life.
Managing Multiple Conditions and the Role of Specialists: Understand why having more than one Type 2 inflammatory condition can lead to a "domino effect," worsening overall health. Learn how specialists like allergists can help you manage multiple conditions effectively.
Treatment Options for Controlling Type 2 Inflammation: Get an overview of available treatments, including biologic therapies specifically designed to target underlying inflammation pathways. Understand the role these medications play in improving quality of life.
Practical Tips for Managing Symptoms at Home: Learn ways to reduce inflammation by identifying and minimizing triggers, allergy-proofing your environment, and adopting healthier lifestyle practices.
Listen now! Spotify • Amazon Music • Apple Podcast
Watch the Type 2 Inflammation series on YouTube and Spotify or listen wherever you get your podcast.
Other episodes about Type 2 Inflammation
More resources about Type 2 Inflammation
Type 2 Inflammation Overview – Explains the role of Type 2 inflammation in conditions like asthma and nasal polyps.
Type 2 Inflammation in Asthma – Details how Type 2 inflammation contributes to asthma and its symptoms.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) – Information on chronic rhinosinusitis, its diagnosis, and its prevalence.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) – Overview of EoE, a condition caused by an increased number of eosinophils leading to inflammation in the esophagus.Nasal Polyps – Details on treatment options for nasal polyps, including the use of biologics like dupilumab.
Biologics: What They Are, How They Work, and Who Might Benefit – A webinar discussing biologic treatments for conditions associated with Type 2 inflammation.
Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) and the Role of Type 2 Inflammation – A webinar exploring the connection between AERD and Type 2 inflammation.
More episodes that relate to achieving control in Type 2 inflammation
Key points from our episode on achieving control
Strategies for achieving control
Effective management of Type 2 inflammatory conditions includes:
Medications: Utilizing appropriate treatments such as topical therapies, inhalers, or biologics to target underlying inflammation.
Lifestyle Modifications: Identifying and minimizing exposure to triggers, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and adhering to prescribed treatment regimens.
Regular Follow-Ups: Scheduling routine check-ups with healthcare providers to monitor disease progression and adjust treatments as necessary.
When your conditions are not under control & when to seek a second opinion
If current treatments are ineffective or symptoms remain uncontrolled, consider:
Persistent Symptoms: Ongoing flare-ups despite following prescribed treatment plans.
Frequent Emergency Visits: Multiple urgent care or emergency room visits indicate inadequate disease management.
Lack of Improvement: No noticeable progress over time warrants reassessment of the treatment strategy.
Timestamps
Our episode explores how to achieve control of your conditions caused by type 2 inflammation.
01:00 The importance of discussing control in Type 2 inflammation
01:55 Defining "control" in allergic diseases
05:30 Recognizing signs your symptoms aren't well-controlled
09:20 Understanding when specialist care is needed
16:19 The risks of using hospitals or urgent care as your main source of care
17:09 Steps to achieve control over Type 2 inflammation
20:35 Lifestyle modifications to reduce inflammation and flare-ups
23:18 Practical tips to manage expectations and maintain control
