Asthma is a condition that impacts around 25 million people in the United States alone [1]. That is a staggering number, equal to about 1 in every 13 people. Though asthma is common, the methods of treatment sometimes leave much to be desired. As such, researchers have turned their attention to how cannabidiol (CBD) may be a potential therapeutic compound for asthma. If you have ever wondered if there was a natural way to get relief from asthma, here is what you need to know about CBD.
What is Asthma?
When someone has inflammation in the lungs and airways, it is classified as asthma. Sometimes, asthma attacks can be brought on by allergies, but not all the time. The inflammation and swelling in the lungs is often paired with mucus buildup, which can make it more difficult for someone to breathe.
Symptoms of Asthma
The symptoms most closely associated with asthma include:
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
Does CBD Help With Asthma?
There has not been a lot of research done on CBD and asthma presently, and so more research is certainly needed before any conclusions can be made. Yet, there have been many landmark studies that shed light on how CBD may benefit those with asthma, particularly when it comes to inflammation and pain.
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CBD Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
As stated above, asthma is the inflammation or swelling of the airways and lungs. Sometimes, this inflammation is caused when specific allergens are inhaled. One study from 2019 on mice found that when CBD was introduced prior to an induced allergy-related asthma attack, the mice had far less inflammation [2].
Another similar study from 2015 looked into the chemicals that the body produces when afflicted by asthmatic inflammation [3]. It was found that those biomarkers of inflammation were reduced when CBD was used.
Also, while not conducted to see the effects on asthma, several studies support the anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating capabilities of CBD [4]. Perhaps more light will be shed on how CBD impacts asthmatic inflammation in the future.
CBD May Reduce Chest Pain
The tightness in the chest you feel when suffering from asthma can be anxiety-inducing, stressful, and painful. In various clinical and animal studies, CBD has been seen providing analgesic benefits for several conditions. In a 2020 review of research, it was mentioned that CBD has an impact on neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, osteoarthritis, and more [5]. It is important to mention that cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for several processes, including pain and inflammation regulation [6]. By using CBD to modulate the ECS, it is hypothesized that there is tremendous therapeutic potential for a diverse number of physical and mental ailments [7].
CBD Is Known to Reduce Anxiety
Cannabidiol is popular for many reasons, but most people seek to use it for its anti-anxiety effects. Indeed, many individuals with asthma live in constant anxiety, particularly because numerous treatments cause or exacerbate anxiety.
Multiple studies have documented the anti-anxiety effects of CBD. For instance, in 2019, a large case study revealed that 300-600 mg of CBD helps with both anxiety and sleep [8].
CBD May Relieve Muscle Spasms
During an asthma attack, the airways narrow severely, causing breathing difficulties. Since the body needs air to survive, those having the attack may go into fits of coughing and wheezing. In 1984, a study stated that the bronchodilator effects of cannabis and CBD were not significant enough to help relieve asthma-related coughing fits [9]. However, another study from 2007 stated that short-term exposure to medicinal cannabis is associated with bronchodilation, thereby easing shortness of breath by opening the airways [10].
More research must be conducted to determine whether these bronchodilation effects are connected to THC or CBD.
Are There Any Side Effects to CBD?
CBD does have some side effects that those looking to use it should know about. The side effects include:
- Skin rashes
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal liver function
- Decreased appetite
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
Does CBD Interact With Asthma Medications?
Presently, it is unknown whether cannabidiol interacts with various asthma medications. That said, it is important to speak with your primary care doctor before starting CBD. Do not discontinue your current treatment to try CBD either.
There are other medications that are known to interact with CBD, because CBD influences an enzyme needed to metabolize the medicine. If you are taking medicine that comes with a grapefruit warning, including diclofenac, omeprazole, warfarin, rifampicin, risperidone, and theophylline, do not use CBD prior to speaking with your doctor.
Looking For High Quality CBD?
Does CBD help with asthma? While there is some research suggesting that CBD may have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects, more research is necessary to determine how helpful CBD may be for asthma attacks. Asthma is a complex condition that may be potentially life-threatening when treated incorrectly. As such, you should speak to a medical professional before deciding whether to try CBD for asthma.
When you are ready to give CBD a try, check out the long list of high quality CBD products from Sugar Bottom Hemp. We are dedicated to providing you with only the best CBD, which is why we conduct strict quality control and third-party testing on our products. Consider trying our delicious pate de fruit or our Daily Zen Chill CBD tincture today. Have questions? Get in touch with us today.
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Resources
- Asthma Facts | AAFA.org. (2022, November 1). Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America. https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-facts/
- Vuolo, F., Abreu, S. C., Michels, M., Xisto, D. G., Blanco, N. G., Hallak, J. E., Zuardi, A. W., Crippa, J. A., Reis, C., Bahl, M., Pizzichinni, E., Maurici, R., Pizzichinni, M. M., Rocco, P. R., & Dal-Pizzol, F. (2019). Cannabidiol reduces airway inflammation and fibrosis in experimental allergic asthma. European Journal of Pharmacology, 843, 251–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.11.029
- Francieli Vuolo, Fabricia Petronilho, Beatriz Sonai, Cristiane Ritter, Jaime E. C. Hallak, Antonio Waldo Zuardi, José A. Crippa, Felipe Dal-Pizzol, “Evaluation of Serum Cytokines Levels and the Role of Cannabidiol Treatment in Animal Model of Asthma”, Mediators of Inflammation, vol. 2015, Article ID 538670, 5 pages, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/538670
- Furgiuele, A., Cosentino, M., Ferrari, M. et al. Immunomodulatory Potential of Cannabidiol in Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 16, 251–269 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11481-021-09982-7
- Mlost, J., Bryk, M., & Starowicz, K. (2020). Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment: Focus on Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(22), 8870. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228870
- Barrie, N., & Manolios, N. (2017). The endocannabinoid system in pain and inflammation: Its relevance to rheumatic disease. European journal of rheumatology, 4(3), 210–218. https://doi.org/10.5152/eurjrheum.2017.17025
- Corroon, J., & Felice, J. F. (2019). The Endocannabinoid System and its Modulation by Cannabidiol (CBD). Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 25(S2), 6–14.
- Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente journal, 23, 18–041. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-041
- Gong, H., Jr, Tashkin, D. P., Simmons, M. S., Calvarese, B., & Shapiro, B. J. (1984). Acute and subacute bronchial effects of oral cannabinoids. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics, 35(1), 26–32. https://doi.org/10.1038/clpt.1984.4
- Tetrault, J. M., Crothers, K., Moore, B. A., Mehra, R., Concato, J., & Fiellin, D. A. (2007). Effects of marijuana smoking on pulmonary function and respiratory complications: a systematic review. Archives of internal medicine, 167(3), 221–228. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.167.3.221
