About 1 in 13 people suffer from asthma, a chronic condition that has the potential to be fatal if left untreated.
Affecting the respiratory tract, asthma is a condition that requires close monitoring as the onset of symptoms requires immediate attention in order for the sufferer to avoid dangerous consequences.
Today, there are different asthma treatments out there with varying levels of safety and effectiveness.
Remarkably, new studies suggest that CBD, the hemp-derived cannabinoid that has seen a recent surge in popularity, can help a person manage their asthma.
Because of CBD’s unique effects on the body’s respiratory system, it seems highly possible that daily use of this cannabinoid can prevent asthma symptoms from occurring.
Before you purchase a bottle of CBD oil to manage your asthma, we suggest thoroughly reading through this article.
We’re gonna explain how CBD affects asthma before walking you through the process of obtaining and using hemp to potentially keep the symptoms at bay.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a lifelong condition for which there is no known cure. People who suffer from asthma must devote their lives to managing the symptoms as they tend to be intermittent.
The condition is caused by frequent inflammation of the airways that are responsible for delivering oxygen to the lungs.
When these airways become inflamed, they narrow, making it difficult for the sufferer to receive enough oxygen.
This causes symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
When an asthma attack occurs, the airways become constricted because they swell up due to the inflammation.
Additionally, the airways get coated in a layer of thick mucus that further interferes with your ability to breathe properly.
Typically, asthma attacks occur as the result of a trigger. Common triggers include extreme physical exertion, stress, allergies and exposure to certain chemicals.
What Causes Asthma?
Currently, the medical industry don’t know a clear cause of asthma, although it’s believed that there are certain risk factors that can make the condition more likely to develop in some people.
Risk factors include having a blood relative who suffers from asthma, having allergies, being exposed to toxic chemicals, being overweight and being a smoker.
Things that can trigger an asthma attack include smoking, exercising, respiratory infections, allergic responses, medications, certain gastrointestinal ailments and psychological distress.
How is Asthma Diagnosed?
If you think that you have asthma, it’s crucial that you see a doctor immediately as this condition has the potential to be life-threatening.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and observe your airways. They will likely test your breathing abilities by monitoring your lungs.
They may also check your sinuses in order to rule out any other conditions.
How is Asthma Treated?
Asthma cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed. Certain anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed that can reduce inflammation along the airways.
Additionally, the patient will likely be prescribed an inhaler. Inhalers are taken at the onset of an attack. They immediately open up the airways so that you can breathe easily.
Also, a doctor will likely suggest certain changes to you lifestyle. Such as if you smoke, then you must quit.
If you’re overweight, you must try to lose weight by following a diet and exercise regimen. Your doctor will also likely suggest that you be careful with how you exercise so that you don’t overexert yourself physically.
And, your doctor may suggest stress reduction techniques if your asthma attacks are triggered by stress or anxiety.
Can CBD Help with Asthma?
It’s believed that CBD might be able to help you manage your asthma.
Because CBD has recently been allowed to be studied in clinical environments, we’re seeing more studies coming out that suggest a strong link between the compound and respiratory health.
Additionally, CBD may be able to help with some of the symptoms associated with asthma.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity
CBD seems to be a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps reduce pain, swelling, redness and tenderness that’s caused by inflammation.
This has to do with the unique chemical composition of hemp in addition to the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system utilizes cannabinoids that are naturally produced by the body to help the body achieve homeostasis.
However, if you suffer from a cannabinoid deficiency, homeostasis isn’t possible.
Part of the endocannabinoid system’s job is to regulate the function of the immune system.
If the immune system is not functioning properly, it can become hypersensitive, perceiving many harmless things as threatening to its existence.
This means that the immune system can trigger the body’s inflammation response when you are exposed to stress, allergens and physical exertion.
CBD can help regulate your immune system, leading to far less episodes of inflammation. Because asthma involves inflammation of the airways, CBD may be able to help you maintain a healthier respiratory system.
In fact, one study found that CBD has a direct effect on the inflammation that results from asthma.
The research found that when CBD is consumed, it bonds with CB1 and CB2 receptors that exist along the nervous system and are responsible for immune system function.
In fact, the study found that low levels of CB1 are heavily linked to asthma-induced inflammation. The study also determined that CBD can help the immune system become less sensitive to allergens.
Now, in another study asthmatic rats were given CBD so that researchers could test its effects on the condition.
That study found that CBD acts as a protective agent for the immune system, lowering allergic response and reducing the chances of inflammation of the respiratory system.
The same study found that CBD administration directly, significantly and quickly lowered the amounts of cytokines in the body. These cytokines are cells that rush to the body in order to create inflammation.
There’s other research which found that CBD can be just as effective at treating inflammation as commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medications.
An added bonus is that CBD is considered safe to take for long periods of time and in high doses. Meanwhile, many commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs can be dangerous if taken in high doses or over long periods of time.
Stress Relief
If you experience asthma attacks as a result of extreme stress, CBD might be able to help.
CBD has been found to lower stress levels thanks to its ability to inhibit the production of cortisol, the hormone that triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response that leads to widespread inflammation.
Unlike prescription anti-anxiety medications, CBD seems to be safe to take daily without risk of physical dependency.
Sleep Benefits
Many asthma sufferers report difficulty with sleep because the inability to breathe deeply makes it hard for the body to calm down.
Fortunately, CBD’s effects on the brain’s neurotransmitters gives it the potential to act as a natural sleep aid.
How Can I Take CBD to Manage My Asthma?
The amount you take, what you take and when you take it all matter.
Tell Your Doctor
Before you start taking CBD for your asthma condition, speak with your doctor as he or she will want to know.
They may be able to help you determine the proper dosage level in addition to how to take it in order to avoid any potential interactions with other medications that you are taking.
Choose the Right Type of Product
It’s highly suggested that asthma sufferers use a CBD oral tincture for the best results.
These tinctures are poured under the tongue so that the cannabinoid can enter the bloodstream through the tissue beneath the tongue. After it has sat there for a minute, it’s swallowed.
Oral tinctures tend to take effect within fifteen to thirty minutes and can last for up to six hours.
Dose Properly
When it comes to using CBD to treat a condition, proper dosing is essential.
Everyone’s body is different, which means that you’ll likely have to experiment a bit before figuring out the right dosage level for your unique needs.
The size of your body and your body’s level of cannabinoids can affect how much you should take.
We always suggest starting with the recommended dosage level on the packaging of the product. If it’s not providing you with the results you want, you can slowly increase it a little at a time.
Quality is Key
Make sure that you purchase your CBD from a trustworthy company that provides lab results on their website.
Could CBD Truly Be the Answer for Asthma Suffers?
As it turns out, CBD may be a highly effective and relatively better way to manage asthma symptoms.
The main things are making sure you talk toy our doctor first and then try to find the right CBD product that can meet your needs.
