Anyone with allergies or asthma knows that smoking, whether it is cigar or cannabis, can make the problem worse. Therefore, it is no surprise that people are turning to a wide range of CBD-based non-toxic products as an anti-inflammatory alternative. But can you really use CBD oil for allergies and asthma?
CBD contains several active substances called cannabinoids. This includes various types of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is a psychoactive ingredient, but not CBD because CBD has no mind-altering properties.
CBD, THC, and some other substances found in marijuana appear to have several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Some people use CBD to treat painful and inflammatory chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Some countries have approved the use of CBD for medical purposes.
Researchers have been researching whether people with other inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, can safely use CBD for its cure.
The results of an animal study published in 2015 indicate that CBD could help people from asthma because of anti-inflammatory activity.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the use of CBD for medical purposes for treating asthma.
At present, there is not enough evidence to guarantee that it can be safe and effective against asthma. However, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic symptoms might reduce.
However, in June 2018, the FDA first approved the use of purified cannabidiol (CBD).
The FDA has approved a drug called Epidiolex for the treatment of two rare and severe forms of epilepsy that are not responding to other medicines.
Research has shown that CBD can help suppress the immune system. This could help reduce symptoms caused by autoimmune diseases, such as asthma. Since asthma is an allergic reaction, the immune system is over-reacting to the crisis.
Studies have also shown that a type of CBD may have bronchodilatory properties, which means it can ease the breathing of people with asthma.
However, it is often challenging to study the effects of CBD and its components. Most users of CBD use the whole plant and smoke regularly. This can make it difficult to assess the positive impact on the lungs.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swells and create additional mucus which can make breathing difficult and cause coughing, difficulty breathing, and difficulty breathing.
Some people with asthma have less discomfort. For others, this can be a significant problem that interferes with daily activities and can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks.
Asthma cannot be cured but can be controlled if a better method is being applied. Since asthma often changes over time, you must work with your doctor to monitor your signs and symptoms and adjust the treatment as needed.
What Causes Asthma?
The reason why some people have asthma, and others do are not apparent, but this is probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic (hereditary) factors.
Exposure to various irritants and substances that causes allergies can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. The triggers are different from person to person, which can include:
- Substances transported by air, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, animal dander or cockroach particles.
- Respiratory infections, such as colds.
- Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
- Cold air
Some medicines, including beta-blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
- Strong emotions and stress
- Sulfites and preservatives added to certain types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids return to the throat.
Current Treatment Options
Before starting any treatment for a chronic illness, such as asthma, it is necessary to talk to your doctor.
Due to any potential risks that may be associated with any medical or alternative treatment option, your doctor is the best person recommending effective treatment.
Medical Treatment
Appropriate medications depend on several factors: your age, symptoms, causes of asthma, and what works best to keep your asthma under control.
Long-term medications for preventive control reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract leading to symptoms. Quick inhalers (bronchodilators) quickly open inflammatory respiratory tracts that restrict breathing. In some cases, allergy medications are needed.
- Medications for long-lasting asthma control, commonly used daily, are the basis for treating asthma. These drugs daily help control asthma and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. Types of long-term control drugs include Inhaled corticosteroids, Leukotriene modifiers, Long-acting beta-agonists, Combination inhalers, and Theophylline.
- Quick-relief medicines are used as needed to quickly and reliably alleviate the symptoms during an asthma attack or before exercise if your doctor recommends it. The types of quick-relief drugs include Short-acting beta-agonists, Ipratropium (Atrovent), Oral and intravenous corticosteroids.
- Allergic remedies can help if your asthma starts or worsens by allergies. That includes Allergy shots (immunotherapy) and Omalizumab (Xolair).
Alternative Treatment
Some alternative treatments can help alleviate asthma symptoms. However, keep in mind that these treatments do not replace medical treatments, especially if you have severe asthma. Talk to your doctor before taking medicated herbs or dietary supplements because some may work with the medicines you are taking.
While some alternative asthma medications are used, in most cases, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and to measure the extent of possible side effects. Alternative asthma treatments include:
Breathing exercises These exercises can reduce the amount of medication you need to control asthma symptoms.
Natural and Herbal Remedies. Natural and herbal remedies that can help reduce asthma symptoms include black seeds, caffeine, choline, and pycnogenol.
CBD Treatment
CBD is also widely studied as an anti-inflammatory compound. For many patients, asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation within and around their respiratory tract inside the lung. The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD have been investigated for various diseases, from arthritis to fibromyalgia. Although most studies of its anti-inflammatory potential for asthma have been performed on animals, they also point to the potential for treatment in humans.
How CBD Can Treat Asthma Symptoms
CBD can help people with allergies and asthma acting as a general anti-inflammatory agent. It can also operate with the endocannabinoid system to reduce mucus production.
Dr. Karyemaître Aliffe is a doctor who focuses on cannabis treatment options.
More specifically, cannabis activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can reduce the sensitivity of the respiratory tract in asthma patients. Dr. Aliffe added that "it is more likely that this activity will be associated with full-spectrum products that contain THC than with CBD isolates."
Dr. Philip Blair, an endocannabinologist, said scientists did not understand why CBD with full spectrum was more effective, but it had to do with the "entourage effect."
"Constantly, the CBD that comes from the whole plant gives better results with less harmful effects than isolates with significantly lower amounts of CBD," he said.
Concerning the Specific Applications of CBD, Dr. Blair recommends taking orally using CBD oil for asthma. "Asthma responds well to oral CBD.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Animal studies have shown that CBD can be a promising ingredient in treating asthma in the future. However, further research is needed to confirm its safety and efficiency.
Make sure you consult your doctor before using CBD or any alternative medicines for your asthma.