How Marijuana is Beneficial for Asthma Patients Asthma is a lasting disorder in the respiratory system, sometimes hereditary. It is annoying, painful and limiting. A long term suffering for many. But it is a condition that is manageable if careful. Many people discover this disorder as early as childhood. Once diagnosed as asthmatic, the patient manages it for the rest of their lives. Symptoms of asthma come in the form of asthmatic attacks. It is the result of an inflammation in the airways resulting to the restriction of air to flow in and out. The signs of the attack include shortness of breath, tightness of the chests, chest pains, wheezing and asthmatic coughs. Asthma is triggered through many irritants such as air pollution, allergens, cigarette smoke, infections, specific medication and even stress or excitement.
More than 25 million Americans have asthma according to the survey of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Most of them are looking for natural remedies because many prescription drugs contain steroids and immunomodulators which may have unpleasant side effects when taken. The increase of asthma cases is attributed to the rising air pollution and allergens. While there are people who have mild symptoms that are easy to control, many have the aggressive type that needs an alternative medicine for relief. Treatments of asthma include nebulizers,
inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene tablets – and must be properly prescribed by the doctor. There are also natural remedies, such as breathing exercises, meditation, massage or acupuncture. While it’s a known fact that smoking weed can aggravate breathing problems; consuming the cannabis plant in other form besides smoking can benefit people with asthma. Marijuana or cannabis has gained reputation for being a therapeutic option for people suffering from different diseases such as chronic pain, epilepsy and many more. It also has some promising benefits for people suffering from asthma, according to the past and ongoing studies conducted by researchers. Marijuana is especially helpful for controlling asthma symptoms (such as wheezing, breathing difficulties and coughing).
Benefits of Marijuana for Asthma If you think of marijuana as treatment for asthma, you might think it’s illogical. Asthma – as a condition in the respiratory system, would not do well with marijuana if smoked. Studies conducted for asthma patients are focusing on the effect of taking cannabinoids not in the form of smoking. Other ways include consuming through edibles, teas, capsules and vaporizers. Researchers are trying to determine if cannabinoids can have beneficial effect on the chronic inflammation of the lungs brought by asthma. The results concluded that cannabinoids can potentially treat allergic asthma. It is possible to manage asthma through the use of marijuana. Marijuana has anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and anti-spasmodic properties. Marijuana cannabinoids connect with the body’s cannabinoid receptors (CB2) found in our immune system. When marijuana receptors and the body’s endocannabinoid receptors combine, inflammation in the airway is reduced. A 1976 study conducted to asthma patients concluded that THC from cannabis acts as an immediate and effective bronchodilator. Each patient was given 1.5 mg dose of THC in an aerosol spray. Despite the small dose, it was found that THC imitates salbutamol properties, a common drug used for asthma. In 1970, although smoking was known to cause narrowing of the airways, on the contrary, it was discovered that smoking marijuana could open the airways. In the study, eight asthmatics were treated with marijuana, saline, a short-acting beta agonist and a placebo cannabis. Out of all
these, the beta-acting agonist and marijuana has the immediate effect on opening the patients’ airways.
Asthma Symptoms and Marijuana Chest Pain Most people who avail for weed delivery service uses weed for pain relief. Although pain is not the main symptom of asthma, most patients experience chest pain during an asthma attack. A sharp pain arises in the first hour of the attack until slowly dissipating. Marijuana has analgesic and bronchodilatory properties useful for managing chest pain. It helps lessen constriction and pressure in the lungs.
Inflammation Marijuana is popular for its anti-inflammatory properties. Marijuana can reduce the symptoms of asthma (coughing and shortness of breath) by opening the passages in the respiratory system. Researchers have found that smoking tobacco can tighten the respiratory tract, while marijuana opens it up.
Spasmodic Pain When an asthma attack happens, the bronchioles and bronchi narrows, contract, and inflames. Marijuana helps manage bronchoconstriction during an asthma attack through its ability to lessen involuntary contractions and muscular spasms. This is based on experiments conducted by researchers.
Stress and Anxiety Stress is the major contributor of asthma attacks. For patients going through anxiety and stress, marijuana is a great aid. It is effective in relieving stress and anxiety that helps decrease attacks for asthma patients.
Mucus Production In 2015, a Brazil study showed that marijuana lessens the production of mucus in the lungs.
These cannabinoids are taken through vaping, capsules, supplements, and any non-conventional form. While sublingual form of CBD oil for asthma is safe, the effect is too slow. It is necessary for marijuana to get to the lungs directly during an asthmatic attack. Owing to this, vaping is the most ideal form of taking marijuana during the attack, as asthmatic people would use inhalers. Vaping marijuana is safe and direct. The Substance Abuse study journal found that asthmatic people acquired less lung-irritating effect in using marijuana in the form of vaporizers. Nonetheless, according to the Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, restrictions are still important. They claim that short-term marijuana use may not harm the lungs but heavy use is still not advisable.
Conclusion The research of marijuana for asthma started since 1975. However, its use for asthma is still debatable up to this day due to many unanswered questions and lack of scientific studies. Before calling for a marijuana delivery service appointment, make sure you consult your doctor. Take a note of the dosage, product and form of consumption when you decide to try marijuana for asthma or any condition.
Get Cannabis for Asthma Choosing the perfect strain is important when you decide on starting a cannabis treatment plan for your asthma condition. Consult your physician and search for reliable online marijuana delivery in Santa Monica or any dispensary nearby.
Thanks For Reading