Asthma is a chronic condition that affects a significant portion of the global population. It is characterized by the inflammation of the lung airways and excessive mucus production, causing breathing issues.
The therapeutic properties of CBD make it an effective treatment for various symptoms of asthma.
What Is Asthma And What Are Its Symptoms?
In asthma, the lungs become inflamed or swell up, narrowing the airways. The constricted airways get stuffed with mucus and cause breathing difficulties.
Allergic asthma is caused by the overreaction of the immune system when we are exposed to allergens like pollen, dander, dust, and more. As a result of the allergic reaction, the airways tighten and cause trouble breathing.
CBD And Asthma Treatment
Asthma treatment includes various medications that are taken to reduce the symptoms of the condition. An asthma flare-up is associated with elevated asthma symptoms that cannot be handled without a hospital visit, most of the time.
The first aid options considered in case of an asthma attack include:
Rescue inhalers: They are bronchodilators used to relax the constricted muscles of the lungs and avoid blockage in the airways.
Corticosteroids: The medications are used to reduce inflammation in the airways and offer fast-acting relief.
There are several long term asthma medications taken to keep the symptoms under check and prevent the occurrence of flare-ups.
Long term use of conventional asthma medications is associated with various side effects. For example, long-term use of corticosteroids may cause adverse effects like mood swings, easy bruising, high blood pressure, elevated appetite and resultant weight gain, and eye problems.
Using inhalers every day also causes some issues. It could cause oral fungal infections, sore throat, and hoarseness of voice.
However, CBD is much different from regular asthma medications. It does not cause any serious side effects, unlike many conventional asthma medications. CBD can reduce muscle spasticity and help reduce bronchospasms, which is a characteristic of asthma. When bronchospasms are left uncontrolled, the lung airways could get narrowed down and cause wheezing.
CBD is an anti-inflammatory due to its interaction with the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating pain perception, inflammatory responses, mood, sleep, appetite, and many other body functions. The anti-inflammatory properties of asthma make it useful in controlling many asthma symptoms.
When choosing CBD products for asthma, avoid using inhalable forms like vapes, dabs, and smokeable CBD.