Asthma is a lung condition characterized by inflamed or narrow lungs that produce extra mucus. This long-term inflammatory disease can make it difficult for patients to breathe, triggering episodes of severe coughing, wheezing or chest tightness.
For some people, the symptoms of asthma may appear sporadically and cause a minor sense of discomfort. For others, however, asthma can significantly impair their ability to perform daily activities with ease. At times, asthma attacks can produce life-threatening effects.
Those with asthma are likely to exhibit many of the following symptoms:
These side effects may occur after exercise or when the person is around chemical irritants. Natural substances, such as pollen and mold spores, may also trigger an asthma attack. However, the symptoms of asthma may occur suddenly and without a specific stimulant, as well.
There is no known cause or cure for asthma. However, many patients seek a form of medicinal therapy to help them find relief from their usual symptoms and improve their general sense of wellbeing.
Since symptoms of asthma can cause emotional distress and physically debilitating side effects, it’s crucial to manage your symptoms with a medicine that helps you maintain your daily routine.
Although researchers have only just begun to explore the full functionality of the recently discovered endocannabinoid system, they realize this bodily system is crucial in upholding a healthy human body. Scientists and doctors recognize the significance of the endocannabinoid system in inflammatory and immunity responses — two features which are of utmost importance when examining the symptoms triggered in the lungs of asthma patients.
It’s crucial to examine the endocannabinoid system in those with asthma because this system plays a fundamental role in the pathophysiology of inflamed or irritated airway responses. The production of mucus may go into overdrive, and various cytokines produce an irritating effect on the patient’s airways. The endocannabinoid receptors cannot adequately ensure respiratory pathogen clearance, causing a series of side effects that can become problematic for the average patient.
Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in marijuana plants, can successfully regulate the endocannabinoid system by reducing the inflammation present in the airways of patients who experience asthma symptoms. In patients with asthma, antigens and allergens provoke inflammatory responses. CBD acts as a mediator that regulates anti-inflammatory properties efficiently in a way that prevents symptoms from manifesting.
Cannabis products open the airways when ingested. This is especially important for those with asthma symptoms because they often suffer from airway sensitivity and narrowness.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can also efficiently reduce pain — a feature which is crucial for asthma patients. In the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid receptors are responsible for managing the neuropathic perception of pain. However, these receptors may not also function normally, especially in those suffering from inflammatory or chronic pain conditions.
Because nearly 76 percent of those with asthma report feelings of chest pain during attacks, finding a form of pain management is also crucial. CBD helps regulate pain perception, as well. The receptors interact with cannabinoids to alleviate aches and inflammatory issues.
Because cannabis creates positive effects for many patients with asthma, it’s essential to consider it a viable form of treatment when necessary. If you or a loved one suffers from the unwanted symptoms of asthma and are thinking about using CBD to find relief, it’s essential first to decide which form of treatment is best suited for you.
For many with asthma, edibles are the ideal form of consumption. Ingestible forms of CBD, such as edibles, pills, and tinctures, allow you to measure your intake and ensure consistency with every dose. Also, edibles avoid the potential for throat or lung irritation — an especially important feature for those with asthma.
If you’re seeking an immediate form of relief and can tolerate smoking, choose an inhalation CBD product at your own discretion. While this form of CBD delivers almost instant comfort, the smoke could trigger an asthma attack in more severe cases of asthma. Vaping could be an appropriate substitute — but be sure to talk with a doctor first.
If you have asthma, be sure to check out the following CBD-dominant cannabis strains:
Choosing the ideal CBD variety will depend on the side effects and symptoms you’re seeking to relieve. For a more extensive look at the type of marijuana strains available for medicinal use, be sure to check out our marijuana strains page for an in-depth look at their ideal applications.
At MarijuanaDoctors.com, we connect you with the resources you need to learn more about medical cannabis for your condition. Stay up-to-date on the latest medical marijuana news in the industry, learn how to connect to a certified medical cannabis doctor near you or check out our blog for answers to frequently asked questions.
Learn more about Asthma and what makes medical marijuana an effective treatment for Asthma’s symptoms.
