Asthma is a severe and chronic respiratory disease that, if it is neglected, can easily claim a life. Worse, there is no known cure for the symptoms of Asthma, coughing, struggling to breathe or shortness of breath, and a restricted tight chest. At best, Asthma remains a prominent public health problem; however, when well-managed, its treatment can result in limited flare-ups and good quality of life for individuals living with Asthma. Asthma symptoms are typically managed through judicious use of asthma inhalers and anti-inflammatory medications. So, when we talk of using CBD for Asthma, we’re really talking about using CBD to manage some of the symptoms of Asthma and some of the side effects that may come with asthma medications.
CBD for Asthma? Is there a connection?
Although many people with Asthma use CBD as one tool to manage symptoms and side effects, there are not yet any conclusive human trials that indicate its effectiveness and safety in use with Asthma. However, we do have some lab evidence that indicates that CBD does have a bronchodilatory effect in mice, which helps the lungs to relax, easing the muscle spasms typical of an Asthma attack. Although it is not clear at this early stage, the research seems to indicate that the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the human endocannabinoid system play a role in the regulation of airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.
Is CBD safe to use with Asthma?
Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently declared that CBD use is generally safe, it is essential that you first talk CBD use over with your doctor or medical professional who can advise and guide your choice. CBD has been known to conflict with some medications, and if your doctor contraindicates CBD, its use may be detrimental to your health and your Asthma condition.
Although CBD is by and large safe to use with some medications, Asthma suffers considering CBD use with their current medication regime should investigate the following medications and their interactions with CBD under the guidance of a medical professional.
- Diclofenac (Other names: Cambia, Flector), an anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of arthritis, migraine, and similar chronic pain conditions
- Omeprazole (Other names: Prilosec), a proton-pump inhibitor that treats heartburn and acid reflux
- Rifampicin (Other names: Rifampin), an antibiotic used for tuberculosis
- Risperidone (Other names: Risperdal), an antipsychotic drug used to treat types of bipolar disorder
- Theophylline, an oral medication used to treat asthma symptoms, as well as conditions like emphysema, and bronchitis
- Warfarin (Other names: Coumadin, Jantoven), a blood thinner that prevents blood clotting
Some preparations of CBD are created with smoking, “dabbing” (vaporizing hash oil), and vaping in mind. All of these are was of smoking the CBD and inhaling it into the lungs. Although this remains one of the fastest pathways to get CBD into the bloodstream, due to Asthma being a respiratory condition, making lung functioning problematic, we would recommend that Asthmatic individuals looking into CBD as a way of managing their side effects consider the more benign forms of CBD, like Soulsome’s cold-pressed CBD oil, which does not depend on the lungs for its ingestion. CBD oils are typically placed under the tongue and held there for a minute or two to allow the sublingual veins to absorb the cannabinoids and distribute them to the bloodstream. Any residual CBD oil is typically swallowed where the digestive system processes it before entering the bloodstream.
Does it help with Asthma symptoms?
Where CBD may act as a valuable supplement to use in conjunction with Asthma medication is in alleviating and managing stress and anxiety which can contribute to an Asthma attack. In addition, we know that current research is starting to support the idea that CBD can benefit the management of anxiety and shows promise as an excellent anxiolytic. After speaking with your doctor about your Asthma and CBD, it can also be helpful to discuss the role CBD has to play in managing any anxiety you may have, which may exacerbate your Asthma.
