How Can CBD Relieve Asthma?

Asthma is one of the chronic diseases affecting most individuals worldwide. Most asthmatic patients love using CBD since it rarely has any side effects and helps treat asthmatic conditions. This guide explains the understanding of CBD, CBD, and asthma, various ways of taking CBD for asthma, the best CBD types to relieve anxiety, and the side effects of CBD.

CBD products are gaining popularity worldwide due to the numerous benefits this compound has. According to several health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), there are several health benefits of the cannabis plant. CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the many compounds available in the cannabis plant. One of the medical conditions CBD can help with is asthma. Asthma is one of the chronic diseases affecting most people; hence most patients are turning to safe and natural options. Most asthmatic patients wonder whether CBD can ease their asthma. Asthma results from inflammation in the airways leading to breathing issues and coughing. The good thing is CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and can help relieve asthma.

Understanding CBD

Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, is one of the most abundant compounds in the cannabis plant. Unlike the most known cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD has no psychoactive effects. It is extracted from the hemp plant (a species of the cannabis plant) since it contains low levels of THC, which do not exceed 0.3 percent. Cannabinoids can help treat various medical conditions due to their several medicinal properties. Baron (2015) confirmed that it provides relief without the high effects of marijuana. The most common forms of CBD include; oils, balms, salves, Edibles (gummies), capsules, and topicals (creams and lotions).

CBD and Asthma

Though more research is needed, below are various ways CBD may benefit asthmatic patients:

CBD Contains Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties

One of the causes of asthma is inflamed airways. The immune system of an asthmatic patient responds to certain irritants by inducing inflammation. The use of CBD leads to reduced airway inflammation and hyper responsiveness. Atalay et al. (2020) revealed that  CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) of the endocannabinoid system, and it triggers anti-inflammatory effects. These receptors reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cells like C-fibres by activating them. CBD helps prevent an asthma outburst, and it also speeds up lung recovery in patients with allergy-driven attacks.

CBD Alleviates Chest Pain

One of the most popular reasons most patients turn to CBD is that it is an effective and natural pain reliever. During asthma attacks, one mostly experiences chest pain and discomfort, which can be very uncomfortable since it includes symptoms such as shortness of breath. CBD interacts with the ECS, providing analgesic effects. McGuire et al. (2018) noted that CBD binds to specific pain receptors leading to pain relief response and alleviating chest pain. It also lowers sensitivity to asthma triggers, leading to fewer asthma attacks and flare-ups.

CBD Eases Muscle Spasms

During an asthma episode, bronchioles, which transport oxygen, become restricted. It leads to a decreased oxygen flow rate which is dangerous. In turn, it leads to shortness of breath and coughing. Individuals with bronchoconstriction experience muscle spasms caused by an asthma attack. Using several formulations of CBD improves asthma patients' health since they have a bronchodilator effect. Since CBD benefits the airways, it helps reduce muscle narrowing, and its effects last longer than other medications. Learn more about does cbd cure lyme disease?

CBD Reduces Anxiety

Anxiety can be damaging to the general well-being of asthmatic patients. Unfortunately, various asthma drugs like conventional inhalers containing stimulants may exacerbate anxiety. Skelley et al. (2020) suggested that one of CBD's most popularly known benefits is its anti-anxiety properties. Most patients are turning to take CBD products for their anxiety since it has proven to be more effective than regular anti-anxiety drugs because of their anxiolytic effects.

Various Ways of Taking CBD for Asthma

There are several delivery methods of CBD to the body. However, if you have asthma, avoid smoking CBD flowers since it contains irritants in their smoke that can worsen asthma symptoms. Also, you should avoid vaping since it increases lung injury of asthma because of ingredients like propylene glycol.

The most preferred way of using CBD for asthma includes; oils, capsules, and edibles. Using CBD consistently may help relieve asthma because of its anti-inflammatory effects. However, these formulations of CBD have a lower bioavailability meaning the body absorbs them slowly; hence its effects might take some time to kick in. However, their effects last longer, making them more convenient.

Best CBD Types to Relieve Anxiety

CBD products are widely available in both physical and online stores. The three types of CBD include:

Full –Spectrum

According to Marinotti et al. (2020), the full spectrum has all the compounds of the cannabis plant, including THC. It is more potent than other CBD types since it produces the entourage effect whereby all other cannabinoids work together with CBD to enhance its benefits.

Broad –Spectrum

It contains most of the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant except for THC. It is a good choice for patients who do not want the effects of THC. It also provided the entourage effects though it is not as potent as the full spectrum one.

Isolate CBD

It is the purest form of CBD since the other compounds were extracted from the hemp plant during its processing. It is a perfect option for patients who solely yearn for CBD's benefits.

Side Effects of CBD

CBD products help relieve various medical conditions but the dosage you consume matters a lot. Vaping CBD for asthma relief is highly discouraged since it affects the lungs. Urits et al. (2020) noted that other CBD side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite

While taking CBD, you should consult with your doctor to help you find your ideal dosage since overconsuming CBD may lead to the named side effects.

Bottom line

Research is still ongoing to prove CBD's effectiveness in treating asthma. Although there are various medical claims about CBD and asthma, you should talk to your medical practitioner before taking CBD. Also, if you are under other medications, avoid taking any CBD product since CBD interacts with several drugs rendering them ineffective. CBD products are not FDA approved, meaning many brands produce low-quality products. You should consider the following before purchasing CBD; whether the brand is reputable, proof of third-party lab test results, and if it has a certificate of analysis. All these will help you know whether the product is safe or not.

References

Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Antioxidative And Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

Baron, E. P. (2015). A Comprehensive Review Of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, And Therapeutic Implications In Medicine And Headache: What A Long Strange Trip It's Been. Headache: The Journal Of Head And Face Pain, 55(6), 885-916.

Units, I., Gress, K., Charipova, K., Habib, K., Lee, D., Lee, C., ... & Viswanath, O. (2020). Use Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For The Treatment Of Chronic Pain. Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology, 34(3), 463-477.

Skelley, J. W., Deas, C. M., Curren, Z., & Ennis, J. (2020). Use Of Cannabidiol In Anxiety And Anxiety-Related Disorders. Journal Of The American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 253-261.

Marinotti, O., & Sarill, M. (2020). Differentiating Full-Spectrum Hemp Extracts From CBD Isolates Implications For Policy, Safety, And Science. Journal Of Dietary Supplements, 17(5), 517-526

Mcguire, P., Robson, P., Cubala, W. J., Vasile, D., Morrison, P. D., Barron, R., ... & Wright, S. (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD) As Adjunctive Therapy In Schizophrenia: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. American Journal Of Psychiatry, 175(3), 225-231.