Can you use CBD for asthma? As the new hit wellness product on the market, studies are citing CBD as the solution to several ails.
Research on the effects of CBD is in the early stages and scientists have been testing CBD against several diseases, including asthma. We look at the research on CBD for asthma and what type of products are safe to use.
What Causes Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects airways. People with asthma suffer from asthma attacks from exposure to allergens or irritants, viruses, extreme exercise, and emotional stress.
An asthma attack occurs when the bronchial tubes swell, causing the surrounding muscles to tighten and restrict air from coming in and out of the lungs. This is what causes shortness of breath. Asthma attacks can range from mild to life-threatening.
In the United States, 7.9% of the population is afflicted with asthma in different types.
Childhood asthma is the most common type, and unlike adult on-set asthma that is a life-long condition, affected children can show improvements.
Occupational asthma occurs when individuals work in environments with close exposure to allergens and irritants, such as bakeries, hospitals, and zoos.
Seasonal asthma comes during certain times of the year. During the winter, cold air entering the lungs can worsen symptoms. In the spring and the summertime, the increase of pollen in the air can likewise trigger asthma attacks.
Even if seasonal asthma is a year-long condition, asthma patients do not usually experience symptoms all year.
CBD for Asthma
Inquiry on whether CBD is an effective combatant to asthma is well-founded. Several of CBD’s side effects can aid in relief for the illness.
CBD is a bronchodilator. This means that CBD for asthma can widen the bronchi.
A study conducted by the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics on guinea pigs has shown that used correctly, CBD can protect the lungs. The study analyzed different cannabinoids and concluded CBD’s positive side effects on the bronchial tubes.
When orally consumed, CBD opens up the bronchioles and dilates air passages, allowing for easier breathing. This effect is especially lucrative to asthmatics as the chest tightening and shortness of breath is their primary issue.
CBD also has anti-inflammatory effects. Asthmatics suffer from low-level and persistent inflammation of bronchi and bronchioles even when not experiencing an asthma attack. CBD’s inflammatory responses occur through an interaction with the cannabinoids naturally present in the endocannabinoid system.
CBD Vapes for Asthma: Helpful or Harmful?
A 1970 study concluded that vaporizing CBD for asthma provides the body with maximum CBD content. Unlike CBD edibles such as CBD gummies or CBD oils, vaporized CBD does not pass through the digestive tract and liver and instead goes directly to the lungs and quickens effectivity.
CBD vapes may be effective against asthma attacks as its use can allow for deeper breaths, expansion of the lungs, and relief from constriction. However, each person reacts differently to CBD.
More reports are showing that CBD vapes are harmful to the body, as they may contain harmful byproducts and unknown carcinogens. There are reports of hospitalizations due to CBD vapes.
Vaporizing the oil produces harmful byproducts. Heating solvents can create carcinogens which are also found in cigarette smoke. The vape pen’s coil can also leak dangerous compounds like nickel, arsenic, lead, and manganese into the oil. Inhaling this can have negative effects on the human body.
Whether vaporizing CBD is good for asthma is subjective. Preliminary findings are inconclusive and depending on the product’s ingredients and dosage, usage can still trigger asthma attacks.
Always consult with your doctor before attempting to use any CBD.
Types of CBD to Use
CBD’s increased popularity in recent years has led to a wide array of products readily available in the market. Finding the best CBD product is essential to how effective its usage will be. Different products hit different pathways within the body as CBD for asthma is absorbed into the bloodstream in different amounts.
Sublingual products like CBD oils and tinctures are consumed by placing underneath the tongue. The liquid is held under the tongue for 60 to 90 seconds before being swallowed.
CBD edibles come in different forms from CBD gummies to lollipops. In edibles, CBD powder is concentrated to form a crystallized version and mixed into a food product.
The CBD in edibles is ingested through the digestive tract and then absorbed into the bloodstream. CBD gummies are a good choice for individuals that want a variety of flavors to accompany their dosage.
This kind of CBD product has the slowest rate of absorption as most of the CBD reaches the stomach and the liver before it can reach the bloodstream.
Side Effects and Risks
Research on CBD and its effectivity is in the early stages. Whether CBD can treat asthma is inconclusive and because its consumption is fairly recent, the long term effects of CBD to combat asthma are unknown.
CBD products can contain less than 0.3% of the THC but frequent dosages can still lead to feeling the effects of THC in your system. THC is psychoactive and large dosages of CBD products with THC can cause a positive drug test.
Seek medical advice before committing to any CBD product.
CBD for Other Respiratory Diseases
Asthma is the most common respiratory disease in the United States, but other respiratory illnesses affect millions of people.
Chronic bronchitis affects people whose mucus glands in airways increase output so that individuals have to cough the extra secretion out. Affected individuals suffer from a chronic cough.
Emphysema is caused by repeated and extensive exposure to cigarette smoke. Patients suffering from emphysema have irreparably damaged air sacs and have trouble exhaling from the lungs.
Both of these diseases can benefit from the effects CBD has on asthma as an anti-inflammatory bronchodilator.
Verdict
There are multiple variables to consider when thinking of using CBD for asthma. The reaction a human body can have to CBD is subjective.
Consultation with a doctor is necessary to reduce risk
Disclaimer: Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.