CBD is a cannabinoid in the hemp plant that has become popular because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although studies show that CBD may help ease asthma symptoms, you should not substitute your medication for this compound.
The hemp plant has many cannabinoids (active ingredients), and CBD (cannabidiol) is one. Recently, CBD has garnered a lot of hype and notoriety because it is claimed to treat almost everything. For instance, many believe that it can ease anxiety, relieve pain, and help manage seizures, hangovers, arthritis, leukemia, and many other complications. That said, many of these claims are subject to studies, most of which are already giving people hope. How about asthma and lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)? Can CBD help relieve them? Peer into this article and learn everything related to this.
Understanding CBD and the hype behind it
CBD is the short form for cannabidiol, a compound found in the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). The plant has many active ingredients, with CBD and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) being the most studied in the medical field. While the two are both potent, THC has psychoactive effects and makes people high, unlike CBD that lacks psychoactive properties. Most CBD products found in the market today have less than 0.3% THC, except CBD concentrates which may exceed the stated proportion.
When CBD gets to the human system, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), influencing the immune and nervous systems. The ECS consists of receptors that work with glands to produce hormones that influence appetite, mood, concentration, sleep, anxiety, and digestion. Consequently, CBD affects almost every process in the body, hence the huge hype and the many purported health benefits.
What is asthma, and how can CBD help ease its symptoms?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease affecting the lungs and the bronchi. It starts with the bronchi’s spasm being attacked, resulting in difficulty in breathing. Flare-ups occur, and a personwheezes. The condition also occurs when the airways become inflamed and constrict, producing more mucus and making breathing hard. Although the exact cause of asthma is unknown, the condition most likely results from allergies to dust, cold, pollens, or other forms of hypersensitivity.
CBD has gained a lot of hype in recent years, and many now use it to manage asthma. However, you might wonder how this is possible and the efficacy of this compound in relieving respiratory issues. The antidote is in CBD’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are ideal for asthma because the complication results from the inflammation of the airways. In addition, since CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it makes the airways less responsive to asthmatic triggers and allergens. Consequently, less blockage happens, reducing mucoid production, flare-ups, breathing problems, and coughing. Still, you need not stop your medication and switch to CBD as more studies are needed because the current ones are inconclusive.
Using CBD oil to treat asthma
CBD is available in many forms, including serums, gels, ointments, oils, capsules, tablets, drinkable beverages, and many more. Many have used CBD oil as their preferred CBD to manage asthma. The process is easy, and you only need to put the drop in your mouth and swallow it. Other CBD oils are taken sublingually, where one uses the dropper to put the oil below the tongue and holds on for about 2 minutes for the oil to be fully absorbed.
Some animal studies have incorporated CBD mist for asthma tests, and that’s ok too. However, vaping and smoking are out of option because the two will easily irritate the airways, causing coughing and other asthma symptoms. There is insufficient research on the ideal CBD oil dosage for asthma. However, 1,500 mg has been generally used, with no issues. Still, your doctor is better placed to prescribe the appropriate dosage if he advises you to incorporate CBD oil into your medication. Additionally, the type of CBD product, the CBD concentration, and your body weight will also influence how much CBD you can tolerate without negative side effects.
Possible side effects when using CBD products to manage asthma
The previous sections have shown that CBD could help ease asthma symptoms by making the airways less responsive to allergens and reducing mucus production. However, CBD products could trigger negative side effects when used, and you need to know and prepare for them. In both animal and vitro studies, the following issues have been linked to CBD usage;
- Diarrhea
- Suppressed appetite
- Body weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Changed liver function, taking an abnormal toll
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rashes and itching
- Decreased sleep and insomnia
Chances are that these side effects could worsen and become long-term. Currently, most studies have focused on the short-term effects of CBD on health, living a major knowledge gap. However, more studies are underway, and we will soon know definitively whether asthmatic people can rely on CBD to manage the disease.
Will CBD affect your current asthma medications?
If you are asthmatic and are on medications, you may want to know whether the cannabinoid will interfere with the medication. This is a crucial concern since studies have established that CBD affects some enzymes needed for the metabolism of certain medications, impairing their function. Unfortunately, there is no research about whether CBD will negatively influence asthma medication. Therefore, the best thing to do before trying any CBD product for asthma is to consult your doctor, who will tell you any possible drug interaction. However, do not take CBD alongside diclofenac, risperidone, warfarin, rifampicin, omeprazole, and theophylline because they will interact with it.
Can I use CBD for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Like asthma, COPD afflicts millions of people. This is another chronic condition affecting the lungs and triggering breathing difficulties. Although some studies have shown that CBD may help open lungs, reduce blockage, and optimize functionality, it’s still uncertain whether it can be used to manage the condition. Therefore, continue using your current prescriptions, and who knows… we may know whether or not to use CBD for COPD.
Conclusion
CBD, an active ingredient in the hemp plant, has garnered a lot of hype and popularity today. This article has focused on analyzing whether the compound can help relieve asthma. In a nutshell, we can say that studies are inconclusive on this subject, and you don’t have to stop your medication and switch to CBD. However, if your doctor gives you the go-ahead, know the appropriate dosage and expected side effects.
