Asthma is a chronic lung disease, caused by an underlying inflammation of the airways. However, we now know about the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol (CBD). This second point is exactly what makes certain patients and the scientific community question the interest of CBD for asthmatics. So, can CBD help with an asthma attack, and if so, how to use it ? We’ll explain that to you in a moment.
CBD and Asthma: Can Cannabidiol Help?
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways
According to L’Assurance Maladie, asthma affects approximately 4 million people in France and kills around 900 each year. Considerable numbers, leading to a strong interest in the pathology. Even if one does not have severe asthma (nearly 6% of asthmatics), symptoms remain largely problematic. The most common include a whistlingthe end toux and other breathing problems.
More specifically, there are two main types of asthma.
Main types of asthma
- Intermittent asthma: It leads to rare and brief crises, often related to an exertion or a stressful episode. Between two crises there is no particular symptom to complain about.
- Persistent asthma: It is accompanied by persistent symptoms, as the name suggests. They are therefore present during crises, but also more or less intensively between crises. Persistent asthma itself is divided into three subcategories.
- Mild persistent asthma: Seizures once or twice a week and nocturnal asthma once or twice a month.
- Moderate persistent asthma: daily symptoms and nocturnal asthma at least once a week.
- Severe persistent asthma: Persistent symptoms that prevent certain activities and frequent nocturnal asthma.
Possibilities that CBD offers in asthma
There are several aspects to consider when discussing the potential of CBD for asthma sufferers. First of all, and as we just mentioned, intermittent asthma attacks can be aggravated by episodes of stress. However, CBD is widely used for its calming properties, which in particular allow it to limit the impact of stress and certain anxiety disorders. Taking CBD could therefore help in this specific context Limit the intensity and/or spread out attacks.
The corresponding study from 2019 [Link auf Englisch] has also shown that CBD is capable of this reduce both airway inflammation and hyperactivity in mice with allergic asthma. If these results are confirmed in humans, it would mean that CBD can help the lungs desensitize asthma triggers. In short, this means fewer seizures and fewer symptoms.
Derived from industrial hemp, CBD can relieve the lungs of asthmatics
Asthma is a lung problem that Taking CBD orally or sublingually is therefore the best option, as opposed to a local application (so-called topical application), which in this particular case would not allow significant effects to be obtained. Several types of products can then work, including CBD flowers protected and the CBD resins. The most practical and therefore the most recommended derivative remains CBD oil.
Take CBD oil for asthma symptoms
L ‘CBD oil is available in vials or capsules. In both cases the product is special easy to dose, transport, use and store. Prefer oils to be broad or full spectrum, which allows you to take advantage of other cannabinoids naturally present in the plant such as terpenes and flavonoids. If the amount is the same, the effects are therefore potential more pronounced.
Regarding the dosage of CBD, there are only a few studies on this topic and a general dosage recommendation is difficult, since the quality of the product, the weight of the person and many other parameters (especially consumption habits) can influence the ideal amount. It is generally recommended Start with a low dosage (Rely on the instructions for use of your CBD oil), thengradually increase until you achieve the desired effects.
Disclaimer: CBD is not recognized as a treatment in France, nor in most European countries. If you are planning to take CBD to relieve your asthma, make sure beforehand that there are no contraindications related to taking your current treatment. It is therefore recommended to discuss this with your doctor beforehand, who can advise you on the best treatment options in your particular case.
Frequently asked questions about CBD for asthma
Vaping, including CBD, is not recommended for asthmatics
Can CBD worsen the risk of an asthma attack?
CBD alone does not appear to increase the risk of asthma attacks. However, be careful how you consume it. Not only Smoking CBD is prohibitedbut also harmful to the lungs and respiratory tract. Vaping CBD is certainly healthier (it releases far fewer toxins) but is still harsh on the lungs. If you have asthma, favor healthier forms of consumption, such as taking CBD oil.
Does CBD have a direct effect on breathing?
CBD can reduce inflammation, especially in the lungs. Anyone who says less inflammation also says easier breathing. CBD can therefore alleviate certain breathing problems, but there is no evidence that it directly affects or makes breathing difficult (as long as you don’t smoke/vape it).
Can CBD antagonize the effects of asthma treatment?
Cannabidiol has the great advantage that it does not present notorious side effects. Still, it can sometimes stimulate our body to do so in the presence of drugs synthesize in an unusual way. In these drug interactions, the drug in question can either work “too much” or not enough. At the moment, asthma medications don’t appear to be affected, but they should be Talk to a doctor about your desire to take CBDespecially if you are already being treated.
