Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

How Type 2 Inflammation Contributes to Asthma, COPD, and Allergic Conditions

(BPT) - Do you live with persistent, moderate-to-severe asthma, COPD, allergies, eczema or hives? Inflammation is often a major factor in the severity of your symptoms. It could also be a factor if your condition is hard to treat. When inflammation is severe and causes difficult-to-control symptoms, it's called Type 2 inflammation.

Type 2 inflammation could be the underlying cause of your condition. It could also be the reason you have more than one condition.

What is Type 2 inflammation?

Type 2 inflammation is an overactive immune response that causes excess inflammation in the body. It plays a key role in many allergic, respiratory and skin diseases.

Type 2 inflammation is believed to be caused by genetic and environmental factors. It can be triggered by allergens (pollen, mold, dust mites, or pet dander) and irritants (pollutants). It can also arise from viruses and bacteria, weather changes, stress or exercise. Sometimes inflammation may occur without an apparent trigger.

Health conditions that may be affected by Type 2 inflammation include:

Symptoms involving Type 2 inflammation vary depending on your condition. Chronic inflammation can lead to long-term symptoms and tissue damage if it is not well managed.

What is the science behind Type 2 inflammation?

Type 2 inflammation can be driven by high levels of antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). It can also be driven by high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.

IgE is designed to help the body fight off allergens, certain irritants, and parasitic infections. It binds to immune cells such as mast cells and basophils that trigger the release of histamine and proteins called cytokines. This can cause Type 2 inflammation that is severe and chronic, especially in allergic conditions.

Other key cytokines (called IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13) recruit and activate the eosinophils. When there are too many eosinophils in the blood, they can contribute to severe or ongoing Type 2 inflammation.

How do you know if you have Type 2 inflammation?

If you think your condition is affected by Type 2 inflammation, talk with a doctor, preferably a specialist such as an allergist. Doctors can diagnose Type 2 inflammation through blood tests that measure IgE and eosinophil levels. High levels indicate that Type 2 inflammation is present.

If you have asthma or COPD, a breathing test for your lungs called fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) can also indicate Type 2 inflammation.

What treatments are recommended for Type 2 inflammation?

Medications are available for people with diseases caused or worsened by Type 2 inflammation. Biologics are increasingly prescribed to help treat these conditions. They are used when standard treatments like corticosteroids or antihistamines are not effective. Biologics work at the cellular level, with the goal of stopping symptoms before they can start. They aim to reduce the levels of IgE and/or eosinophils that cause inflammation in the body.

It's important to work together with your doctor to decide what course of treatment is best for you. Consider the severity of your symptoms and discuss what previous medications or treatments you have tried. Your healthcare provider can help you find out if Type 2 inflammation is connected to your medical condition.

Learn more at Type2Inflammation.org.

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.