Take Charge of Mold, Allergies & Viruses: Managing Th2 Dominance

A Functional Medicine Approach to Inflammation

If you’re struggling with chronic immune system issues such as persistent allergies, frequent infections, or skin conditions, your immune response might be dominated by what’s called a Th2 response. In this post, I’ll explain what Th2 dominance is, how it affects your health, and how to address it through functional medicine.

What is Th2 Dominance?

Many patients come to me with conditions that are driven by an overactive Th2 immune response, making it difficult to fully resolve their symptoms without addressing this underlying issue. Understanding and treating Th2 dominance is crucial for lasting improvement in chronic allergies, infections, and inflammation.

T Cell Polarization Explained

T cell polarization refers to how your naive (baby) T cells mature into specialized effector T cells that carry out different immune functions. The four main types of effector T cells are:

1. Th1
2. Th2
3. Th17
4. T regulatory cells (Tregs)

Ideally, your naive T cells can mature into any of these types as needed. Problems arise when your immune system gets stuck in one mode, such as Th2 dominance, which is common in people with allergies and chronic infections.

Th2 Dominance and Chronic Inflammation: Breaking the Cycle

Th2 cells produce inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL4), in response to infections or inflammation in areas of the body exposed to the external environment, including the skin, lungs, sinuses, gut, bladder, and vagina. The problem arises when these infections or inflammations persist, leading to excessive IL4 production. This signals naive T cells to create more Th2 cells, resulting in Th2 dominance—a vicious cycle of ongoing inflammation. As a result, your body remains inflamed in these areas, increasing susceptibility to infections and chronic conditions.

The bottom line: To heal from these conditions, it’s essential to address Th2 dominance and get IL4 production under control.

Signs You Might Be Stuck in Th2 Dominance

If you experience chronic infections or inflammation in your lungs, sinuses, gut, bladder, or vagina, you may be stuck in Th2 dominance. Some common symptoms include:

• Lungs: Asthma, frequent respiratory infections, bronchitis
• Nose/Sinuses: Allergies, congestion, frequent colds
• Gut: Food intolerances, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leaky gut
• Bladder: Frequent infections, interstitial cystitis
• Vagina: Recurrent yeast or bacterial infections, vulvodynia

Factors That Drive Th2 Dominance

Various triggers can push your immune system toward a Th2 response, including:

• Mold toxins
• Viral infections (herpes, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus)
• Chronic infections (like Lyme disease)
• Stress
• Environmental toxins
• Allergies and histamine overload
• Aging and cancer

The Link Between Th2 Dominance and Chronic Infections

When your immune system is stuck in Th2 dominance, it inhibits the production of Th1 cells, which are essential for fighting bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. This can result in:

• Frequent colds, flu, and slow recovery from infections
• Chronic viral infections like shingles or Epstein-Barr
• Recurring gut issues like SIBO or candida
• Persistent vaginal or bladder infections

How to Shift Out of Th2 Dominance

Addressing Th2 dominance requires a functional medicine approach that includes:

• Managing stress
• Clearing environmental toxins
• Reducing pathogen loads (such as chronic infections)
• Taking natural supplements to down-regulate the Th2 response, including:
  • Perilla and Astragalus herbs
  • NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) and Quercetin
  • Oxymatrine supplements

By addressing these factors and supporting a balanced immune response, you can regain control of your health and reduce chronic inflammation.

Take Action Today

If you suspect you’re stuck in Th2 dominance or have chronic immune issues, I can help. Contact me today to explore personalized strategies for healing and restoring balance in your immune system.