Cbd Vs Conventional Asthma Treatments
There are two types of medications for asthma sufferers depending on your individual situation: short-term medications and long-term treatments.
Short-term medications include:
- Allergy medications
- Injections
If nothing else seems to help, a doctor may recommend bronchial thermoplasty as a last-resort option. This special procedure is rare but effective and relatively safe.
Home remedies are often used in tandem with conventional asthma treatments to prevent intensification of symptoms and flare-ups. Common home remedies include essential oils from herbs,;caffeinated drinks, and mustard oil .
Select The Best Vaporizer Possible
Needless to say, the quality of your vaporizer is of the utmost importance, even if you only use it for recreational purposes. To put it simply, a poorly manufactured or non-adapted vaporizer will not vaporize properly. For instance, combusting the substance used rather than vaporising it makes the entire experience fairly pointless.
And of course, if you are using such a vaporizer inthe context of a respiratory disease, it could turn out to be a hindrancerather than a source of relief.
Buying pen-like items can be tempting for portabilityreasons. However, the smaller the vaporizer, the more chances key elements willunderperform or simply be absent.
Based on this statement, home vaporizers have a tendency to provide satisfying performances. However, a number of portable vaporizers can also be of use. At Sensi Seeds, we are quite partial to two creations from our friends at Storz and Bickel, and many of us highly recommend them including Mark, our patient here.
Final Thoughts On The Discussion Of Marijuana Treatment For Asthma
Some have argued in the past that marijuana is an effective treatment for asthma because it has anti-inflammatory properties and could help open the bronchial tubes. While there is evidence out there to support both of these notions, much more research is required in order to make the claim that marijuana can treat asthma or improve an asthmatic condition.
Much more research is required in order to make the claim that marijuana can treat asthma or improve an asthmatic condition.
And of course, we certainly dont recommend smoking in any form if you have asthma. And while vaporizing cannabis may result in less coughing, there is still virtually no data on its long-term respiratory health effects.
All things considered, edibles and oils are arguably the best way to consume cannabis if you have asthma. They make take a little longer to work, but theyre almost certainly not as harmful to the lungs as smoke inhalation.
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Cbd Oil May Reduce Asthma Drug
Anxiety can seriously impair ones quality of life by taking a toll on your mental health and well-being. The majority of asthma medications like traditional inhalers are infused with stimulants. These compounds, although they are effective bronchodilators, can cause or exacerbate anxiety.
CBD has been recognized by its remarkable anxiolytic properties in several experimental models, so theres a chance that you can benefit;from it in conjunction with conventional;treatments to prevent anxious;episodes .
What Is Allergic Asthma
Lets first examine the problem: Asthma. People who suffer from asthma experience difficulty breathing, which can be very dangerous. Allergies are the most common cause of asthma. Nine out of ten children with asthma have allergies, compared with about half of adults with asthma. Allergenssubstances that trigger an allergic reaction, such as pollen, dust mites, and moldtrigger our immune system into responding as if it were under attack from bacteria or viruses. Our noses run, our eyes itch, and we sneeze as our bodies work to remove the allergen. Our bodies also produce chemicals called IgE antibodies that cause the release of chemicals like histamine, which in turn causes swelling and inflammation.
Treatment for allergic asthma often includes the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators that relax constricted muscles around and decrease sensitivity in the airway.
So what does this have to do with cannabis? And, seriouslyis anyone really suggesting patients should smoke pot to help them breathe better? How is that even possible? Weve all seen people violently cough after taking a hit off a joint or bong. Incredible as it might seem, scientists have found that while marijuanalike cigarettescontains combustible compounds that induce bronchospasms, or coughing, it also contains compounds that inhibit coughing.
420Magazine has quoted University of California professor at Irvine Daniele Piomelli, PhD, as saying:
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Can Cannabis Help Asthma Patients
Does the idea of using medical marijuana to treat asthma symptoms leave you scratching your head? Due to the fact that the most popular method of recreationally consuming cannabis is smoking, it may seem like an unlikely medical treatment for a respiratory condition. Any doctor will tell you that smoking cigarettes is not a good idea for asthma sufferers , but evidence is showing that cannabis may have beneficial effects for those with asthma or other respiratory conditionseven when smoked.
Asthma is a lung disease that causes a persons airways to narrow and swell during an attack, which leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. If not managed, attacks can be fatal. Asthma often becomes evident in children and there is no cure for the disease, though treatment can keep complications to a minimum. For many people symptoms are limited, but in the U.S. over 3000 people still die from asthma-related causes every year. Management of the disease is complicated by the sudden onset of the attacks they can be triggered by everyday activities like exerciseand the fact that they are being increasingly linked with allergies.
Choose The First Time You Experiment With Cannabis Wisely
Waiting until your asthma symptoms manifest to try tomedicate for the very first time is not recommended.
Instead, make sure to experiment in a peaceful, safecontext, and while you are not experiencing any major respiratory issue. Youneed to acquire sufficient knowledge about your body, and how it responds tovarious degrees of cannabis intake. This means that you should be ready tocounter any issue that could arise due to your lack of experience: possiblecoughing, inappropriate dosage, etc.
Once you have a clear understanding of how vaporizingcan affect your breathing, throat and mouth, you can ease into using it topalliate to symptoms such as short breath, wheezing, tightness in the chestarea, for recovering after a severe attack, and even to actually counter afull-blown asthma attack.
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Dont Give Up On Your Pharmaceutical Treatment
It may be tempting to give up on pharmaceutical drugs altogether, especially when cannabis-induced results exceed expectations. However, existing anecdotal evidence, including this article, is not enough to guarantee safety in all possible asthma-related situations.
Asthma is by nature unpredictable, as it depends on literally hundreds of factors ranging from environmental ones to dietary habits, and even psychological states. Ironically enough, you could even experience a small panic attack following the realisation that your inhaler is not in your pocket, which could in turn trigger an asthma-related issue. Do not underestimate the multiple effects your prescription drugs can have on you, including the placebo effect.
Customize Your Vaporizer With A Water Pipe
Many vaporizers, especially home vaporizers, have the necessary connections allowing them to be hooked to an additional device. Connect a water pipe to your vaporizer, and vaporize through the warm water. This will help you inhale when your lungs are already in a bad shape.
However, ensure that the water does not get too hot as it could have the opposite effect. If you feel like your lungs are filled with mucus, opt for a dry vaporizing session instead. Warm, dry air is good for the lungs.
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The Research On Cannabis Use In Asthma Patients
Exclusive bonus:; that will show you the exact step-by-step process Dr. Dustin Sulak used to successfully treat more than 18,000 patients with cannabis.
Discovering the link between cannabis and asthma started back in 1975 with one small and very simple research.
A group of researchers led by Dr. Donald Tashkin artificially induced bronchial spasms in eight clinically stable asthma patients, focusing on the behavior of their airways.
In different sessions, spasms were induced through methacholine inhalation and by aerobic exercise.
Patients were then administered either placebo or actual cannabis with 2% of THC.
Placebo subjects recovered from bronchial spasms in 30 to 60 minutes, on average. Subjects who were given 2% THC cannabis were relieved from spasms almost immediately.
This was a revolutionary discovery at the time with all the stigma around cannabis and smoking with asthma.
In March 1985, a 20-year-long study was initiated and it concluded that moderate cannabis smokers who were diagnosed with asthma improved their lung function without suffering the lung damage, when compared to cigarette smokers.
With all these anecdotes circling around about cannabis stopping asthma attacks, it was obvious that the time had come to prove that cannabis is a bronchodilator.
Cannabinoids , activated CB1 receptors, which stopped the spasms and dilated the organs.
After years of research, one thing was getting ever more clear: THC was winning over CBD in this race.
How Much Cbd To Take For Asthma
Now that weve established that the best type of CBD for asthma is CBD oil, lets discuss the dosage.
This is the most difficult part of taking CBD for any condition.
There is no one-size-fits-all dosage because everybody reacts differently to CBD. Choosing the right dosage involves several factors, including:
- Age
- The type of your asthma symptoms
- Medications for asthma you might be taking
An effective dosage may range from 5 to 300 mg of CBD. Experts in the field recommend starting low and gradually increasing your dose until you experience relief from your symptoms. Its important that you consult your plans to incorporate CBD into your routine with your doctor. A doctor experienced in cannabis may help you establish the right dosage and avoid potential interactions with other medications.
Another thing to consider when trying to figure out how much CBD you should take for asthma is the cannabinoid spectrum of your product.
There are three types of cannabinoid spectra:
- Full-Spectrum CBD: full-spectrum products are extracted using the whole hemp plant. They contain CBD on top of other cannabinoids , terpenes, flavonoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds work together synergistically to enhance the effects of CBD. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect and explains why full-spectrum CBD oil is the desired option among consumers.
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What Is Asthma And What Causes It
You know that asthma causes difficulty in breathing and that whistling, wheezing sound every time you inhale. But what exactly happens during an attack?
Heres an overview, and its not pretty.
To start, the airways in your lungs narrow and swell. In some cases, mucus may develop in your respiratory system as well. Some people may deal with it fine and deem it as a minor nuisance. For others, however, a worst-case scenario can often turn fatal.
The next logical question to ask would be, Am I at risk for asthma?Part of it is hereditary, and if you have close kin who are asthmatic, theres a good chance that you are, too. Another key marker, of course, would be if you happen to suffer from allergies, as they’re often comorbid with asthma.
Then you should also note certain lifestyle factors like being overweight, chain-smoking cigarettes, as well as exposure to pollutants like second-hand cigarette smoke and other hazardous chemicals.
Now, what are the causes of asthma? Several external factors can trigger an attack, like airborne allergens, certain food additives, even the cold air. You also have medical conditions that are simple as the common cold, to something as complex as Gastroesophageal reflux disease where your stomach acids travel up to your throat.
Medications like beta-blockers, ibuprofen, and aspirin may also cause asthma. Along with that, experiencing stress and other strong negative emotions are known precursors to asthma attacks.
Research That Indicates Cannabis Might Not Harm Breathing
On the other hand, researchers from the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London analyzed 133 separate studies over 47 years on the effect of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms.
Their conclusion was that:
A 2012 JAMA report out of the University of California, San Francisco looked at lung function in 5,115 men and women in four US cities and their use over 20 years and concluded, occasional and low cumulative marijuana use was not associated with adverse effects on pulmonary function.;
A 2018 Annals of Internal of Internal Medicine report by a group of prestigious institutions in the US stated after examining 22 studies:
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What Happens During An Asthma Attack
The airways in your lungs get narrow and swell and swell at the same time. You may also develop mucous in your respiratory system. Thats where the wheezing, whistling, and difficulty breathing comes from. For some, this can be a minor nuisance. For others, it degrades their quality of life and could even turn fatal.
A full-blown asthma attack looks like the following:
- Wheezing during every exhale
- Hard, dry coughing worsened by wheezing
- Interrupted sleep cycles because of breathing troubles
Dont Prioritise Your Desire To Medicate With Cannabis Over Your Life
We understand the thrill of finding a solution to amedical problem that is all-natural, non-invasive, and possibly, overall moreefficient. However, in the same way you should never solely rely on an inhalerto keep you healthy and safe, cannabis should not become your lifesaver. Keepyour inhalers handy. And if you are experiencing a critical asthma-relatedissue, dont try to talk yourself into good health. Try to gauge the situationobjectively, and if necessary, call a doctor.
Are you an asthma patient yourself? Mark, theinterviewee, and Jay, the interviewer, both are. Tell us about your personalexperiences with cannabis and asthma in the comments section below!
- Disclaimer:This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or other licensed medical professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard medical advice due to something you have read on this website.
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Final Thoughts Can You Actually Smoke Weed If You Have Asthma
If your symptoms are mild and you dont experience frequent asthma attacks, especially during or after smoking weed, then yes, you could probably still smoke cannabis. However, bear in mind that even though your symptoms are okay now, asthma is unpredictable and may change the way it manifests over time.;
Additional Resources
A Better Way For Asthma Sufferers To Use Marijuana
Based on the information above, it may seem as if there is some merit in using marijuana to help treat asthma. Still, it would be very unwise to light up a joint or take a hit from a bong if you have asthma. In fact, whether youre inhaling marijuana or tobacco, the resulting combustion is not good for your lungs asthmatic or otherwise.
Even second-hand smoke can set off an asthma attack, so it shouldnt be hard to understand why smoking for asthma is a bad idea. In some circles, vaporizers are marketed as being a safer and more convenient method of using cannabis. While it may be true that there is less irritation on the lungs , there is zero evidence suggesting that vaping marijuana for asthma is safe.
Edibles, on the other hand, could potentially be a suitable option . Edibles are metabolized in the digestive system and usually take at least 30 minutes to take effect. While users often enjoy longer and stronger highs from an edible, it can be more difficult to gauge how strong the effects are going to be.
All in all, we reiterate the notion that smoking weed with asthma is a thoroughly bad idea. If you have asthma and want to consume cannabis, something like an oil extract or an edible may be a better idea. Still, it is important to remember that ALL cannabis use is done under your own discretion, and/or with the guidance of your medical marijuana doctor.
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How Safe Is Using Cannabis As A Medical Treatment
Joanna Zeiger: Inhaling cannabis is least safe for people with asthma. As noted previously, inhaling cannabis by smoking or vaping should be avoided by those with asthma.
For anyone using cannabis, particularly those with a chronic illness, safety is paramount and comes first. Determine with your doctor the safest method of using cannabis and the lowest possible dose that provides optimal relief.
Use cannabis responsibly. If you feel too high, sleep it off or wait it out. Do not overindulge. Even though cannabis can have medical value, it can also have adverse effects.
Alternatives Methods To Smoking Marijuana That Help Asthma
Smoking marijuana may not be ideal for those suffering from asthma but that does not mean they cannot find symptom relief using other forms of medical cannabis. Inhaling cannabis smoke is not the only way a person has to use cannabis to get its benefits.
In Florida, there are a variety of state-approved products that are dispensed under other non-smoking routes. Those routes are:
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Is It Safe For People With Asthma To Smoke Cannabis
Many people with asthma are smoking or vaping cannabis. This could be harmful to their lungs and airways, especially in adolescents.
In the PEACE survey, 53.4% of cannabis users with asthma smoked it, while 35.2% vaped cannabis. Further, about half of the cannabis smokers with asthma reported uncontrolled asthma symptoms.
It surprised me that over half of the cannabis users in the study who have asthma were smoking it, says Joanna Zeiger, PhD, principal investigator of the PEACE survey.
Its not recommended that people with asthma smoke or vape cannabis. Smoking or vaping cannabis can cause increased cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. It can increase risk of an asthma attack or asthma flare. In the PEACE survey, nearly one-third of those who smoked cannabis reported cough.