Cannabidiol (CBD) has become increasingly popular as a way to treat various health conditions. Have you ever wondered if CBD can control your asthma symptoms?
As with other cannabinoids, CBD comes from the cannabis plant. But unlike cannabis (also known as marijuana), CBD does not produce hallucinogenic effects due to its low tetrahydrocannabinol content (known as THC for short) (less than 0.3 percent).
Marijuana and CBD can be used to treat pain, under the supervision of your doctor. But did you know that CBD oil can also treat inflammation?
Asthma, a chronic lung disease, is caused by inflammation of the airways. It comes with frequent outbreaks that can cause coughing, wheezing and other breathing problems.
While it may play a role in airway inflammation, we want to explore whether CBD oil can really treat asthma or not. Let’s review what the research reveals and when you should explore this option with your doctor.
CBD: Can It Relieve Asthma Symptoms?
CBD is becoming increasingly popular because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Some research says it could give even more neuroprotective benefits than vitamins E and C.
CBD oil could reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, making the lungs less sensitive to asthma triggers. This causes fewer outbreaks and symptoms such as coughing.
A 2019 study found that CBD reduced airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in mice with allergic asthma. But more research is needed in humans to see if CBD oil could effectively treat allergy-induced asthma.
How can CBD oil be used as a treatment for asthma?
Take CBD oil orally by putting drops in your mouth and then swallowing them.
Although researchers have used versions of CBD oil mist when conducting their studies with animals, smoking or smoking CBD oil is not recommended for humans due to possible irritation that could occur in the airways.
There are not many clinical studies on asthma and CBD oil in humans, which means no one is sure what the ideal dose for asthma is.
Research to date shows that a maximum of 1,500 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day is safe for human consumption.
If your doctor tells you that you should try CBD oil as a way to treat asthma, ask them what dose they suggest.
The right dose depends on many factors, such as the type of product you choose and your body weight. Your doctor may make adjustments to your dose based on how well you respond.
Are There Side Effects of Consuming CBD for Asthma?
While there are many potential benefits of CBD oil as a treatment for asthma, there could be side effects. Some have been reported in animal and in vitro studies, including:
- nausea
- rashes
- diarrhea
- drowsiness or insomnia
- decreased appetite
- abnormal liver function
Long-term human studies should be done to determine if CBD is safe for the treatment of asthma and what side effects it may have. The only studies of CBD in humans so far are small and only focus on short-term use.
Can CBD interact with my other asthma medications?
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post. Do not stop taking your current asthma medications or make any changes unless you talk to your doctor.
CBD tin interact with other medications because of how it affects the enzymes the body uses to metabolize asthma medications. Talk to your doctor before using CBD oil if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- diclofenac (Flector, Change), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (also known as NSAID) that is used to treat arthritis, migraines, and other forms of chronic pain.
- omeprazole (or OTC Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor used to treat acidity and acid reflux
- rifampicin (AKA Rifampin), an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis
- risperidone (AKA Risperdal), an antipsychotic to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
- Theophylline, used to treat symptoms of asthma and other lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin), an anticoagulant that prevents and treats blood clots
Are there any CBD products (or strains of CBD) that can be recommended for asthma?
Due to the high number of CBD products available today, selecting the right CBD oil can be daunting. But in general, you should choose a product made in the United States as well as one that has been tested by third parties.
Hemp-based oils are probably best because they have traces of THC, but not as much as marijuana.
You want to buy a brand of CBD oil that is pure and organic. Microorganisms and pesticides have been found in some CBD products.
Right now, only one form of CBD prescription has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and that is Epidiolex. Derived from CBD, it is used in the treatment of seizures caused by Dravet’s syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Can CBD treat the symptoms of COPD?
As with asthma, more research is needed to determine if CBD is an effective way to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Some animal studies have been performed showing the role of CBD in reducing lung inflammation and improving lung function; however, human studies are now needed to determine both safety and efficacy.
Talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor if you want to learn more about CBD oil as a way to treat asthma.
If the medications you are currently using work, you may not want to switch to CBD. But talk to your doctor if you still have symptoms and outbreaks while taking your current asthma medicine.
Consuming CBD without medical supervision may increase the risk of side effects or decrease the effectiveness. Your doctor will tell you the right dose to take and will also monitor for side effects while monitoring your lung function.
CBD oil is just one part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes conventional asthma medications. Do not stop taking your prescription drugs without talking to your doctor first.
In conclusion
The best CBD oil can have anti-inflammatory effects in clinical settings, giving hope for the future of asthma treatments.
However, until further human studies can be done, there is no definitive evidence that CBD oil should replace a traditional asthma treatment plan.
Talk to your doctor about your asthma symptoms and ask if CBD oil is right for you. Your doctor can advise you on the dose while monitoring for possible side effects.
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