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Contrary to popular belief, cannabis can help asthmatics in many ways. Although perhaps surprising, some research indicates that compounds in cannabis may help to reduce some of the symptoms of asthma that are serious or life-threatening.
When we think of cannabis, the first image that comes to mind is that of a person who talks about a joint. Of course, smoking is most often badociated with a variety of side effects on our lungs, but things are never so simple when it comes to cannabis.
Cannabis and asthma have a relationship of three millennia
Around 1200 BC, the ancient Egyptians used this plant to treat many conditions, including asthma.
French writer Marcel Proust has used cannabis regularly to treat the symptoms of asthma, calling it an "anti-asthmatic cigarette".
More recently, and not so long ago, before cannabis became illegal, cannabis was used as a cough medicine. In fact, in the early 1920s, doctors were allowed to prescribe it, and cannabis tinctures were one of the preferred additives for cough medicines because they did not make patients depressed and constipated (as often morphine).
The ban began shortly thereafter and the tobacco industry has grown to unimaginable heights. However, when the link lung cancer and tobacco was discovered, smoking (including cannabis) began to be described as very dangerous for everyone, including asthmatic patients.
Recently, new scientific discoveries shed more light on the issue. What is the science behind the use of cannabis to treat the symptoms of asthma, the experiences of patients with the plant and the recommended methods for getting relief for those affected.
Introduction to asthma
Asthma is a long-term chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs that affects the airways. Genetics generally play a major role in the development of the disease, but many things can irritate the airways and, in turn, trigger an asthma attack, such as the following:
- the pollution of the air;
- different allergens (such as pollen or dust);
- exercise;
- smoke (especially cigarettes);
- respiratory infections (flu or colds);
- certain medications (such as aspirin);
- strong emotions (such as stress and even laughter); and
- changes in temperature or humidity (even cold air).
All of these stimulants cause obstructions and spasms in the irritated and sensitive airways. And that's when the symptoms can begin to appear:
- cough (especially in the morning and at night)
- shortness of breath;
- chest tightness and pain; and
- wheezing.
According to individuals, asthma attacks can occur several times a day or several times a week. Although the disease affects people of all ages, the first symptoms usually begin to manifest themselves at an early age. Interestingly, boys are more likely than girls to have asthma, but adult women are more prone to asthma than men. In addition, young adults aged 18 to 24 are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than older adults.
Due to air pollution and increasing allergen diversity, it is not surprising that the number of people with asthma has been increasing since the 1960s, with a 15% increase over the last decade.
Although there is no permanent treatment for asthma, there are some types of treatments to control the disease.
Usually, asthmatics have an inhaler, which takes the form of preventive and rescue medications, because a crisis can occur at any time. Preventionists are used regularly to prevent the respiratory tract from becoming sensitive; badgesics are used to control the acute symptoms that occur during an attack.
Usually, if patients avoid the conditions that trigger their symptoms and take their medications as prescribed, controlling asthma is not a problem. That said, asthma can be persistent, very frustrating and exhausting. Conventional medicines may not be attractive in general because they contain steroids and immunomodulators that can have side effects.
It may be for this reason that many patients are looking for different solutions. So how does cannabis compare to traditional pharmaceuticals as a treatment for asthma?
Research on the use of cannabis in asthmatic patients
The discovery of the link between cannabis and asthma began in earnest in 1975 with a very simple little study. A group of researchers led by Dr. Donald Tashkin artificially induced bronchial spasms in eight "clinically stable" asthma patients, focusing on the behavior of their airways.
In different sessions, the spasms were caused either by inhalation of methacholine, or by exercise on a stationary electric bike and a treadmill. The patients then received a placebo or cannabis containing 2% THC.
The study, Effects of Smoke Marijuana in Experienced Induced Asthma, found that placebo-treated subjects had recovered from bronchial spasm in an average of 30 to 60 minutes; subjects who received 2% THC cannabis were relieved of spasms almost immediately. It was a breakthrough discovery at the time given the stigma surrounding cannabis and smoking with asthma.
In March 1985, a 20-year study was launched concluding that moderate smokers of cannabis diagnosed with asthma improved their lung function without lung injury compared to cigarette smokers.
With more recent anecdotal reports that smoking cannabis stopped asthma attacks, it was time to prove that cannabis was a bronchodilator.
In a study conducted in 2014, researchers isolated bronchial samples from 88 participants, from both healthy subjects and asthmatic patients. They induced bronchial spasms by electrical stimulation and were then administered to THC as well as other synthetic cannabinoids.
Research revealed that cannabinoids (THC to be precise) activated CB1 receptors, which stopped spasms and dilated organs. In simple terms, the most psychoactive substance in cannabis has dilated the airways, which has facilitated the entry of air into the lungs.
After years of research, one thing became clear: the THC was winning the race against the CBD. CBD is known as an excellent anti-inflammatory agent and is attracting more and more attention from users, medical experts and scientists over the past five years.
This means that THC has been underestimated in recent years, perhaps because of its psychoactive effects, which have probably affected many health professionals and patients.
A 2015 study, however, recalls the medical value of THC. Although it is an animal study, it has made very important conclusions and provides a solid basis for further research.
The researchers badyzed six different cannabinoids: THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, CBD-A and THC-V, to determine if these cannabinoids could stop the constriction of airways caused by inflammatory proteins.
It was surprising to note that only contractions inhibited by THC and THC-V; other cannabinoids, including CBD, have not been. In fact, THC had a much stronger effect than THC-V, which blocked CB1 receptors, inducing some negative effects.
Patients looking for different solutions to treat their symptoms.
Sasha_Suzi / iStock / Getty Images More
Alternatives to smoking
As can be seen, these studies indicate that cannabinoids derived from cannabis are not as harmful as originally thought for people with asthma. However, until there is more conclusive evidence and scientific consensus on the subject, the above results should not be considered irrefutable evidence.
One still wonders if cannabis smokers do not suffer from lung cancer as much as tobacco smokers. Unfortunately, there is substantial evidence that we should avoid smoking and a 1998 study found that healthy young adults who smoke cannabis regularly are more likely to have lung inflammation, while like tobacco smokers..
Thus, if a person simply wants to become high or manage other conditions such as anxiety or ADD, there are other ways to take advantage of cannabis and make the most of it. .
Edible products can be a safe and healthy way for asthmatics to take advantage of cannabis. Just Google and there are tons of recipes available for pot brownies, cookies, sweets and so much more.
However, be careful with food products because it is actually quite easy to take more than a person can handle. Edible products are metabolized in the digestive system and take up to 45 minutes to start producing effects. Compare that to smoking, which produces effects almost immediately. The high of edibles, however, is both longer and stronger.
But do not worry, because no matter how big a person, there is no evidence that a person can overdose and die of grbad.
How can food products help asthmatics?
Since it takes a lot of time for cannabinoids to get into the bloodstream, this way of using cannabis will probably not stop an asthma attack. However, if you regularly use food products, you may be able to prevent an asthma attack, as was the case for the subjects of the studies mentioned above.
What do other asthmatics think about smoking?
That's a bit of what science has to say on the subject, but what about true asthmatic patients? What do they think about smoking cannabis with their condition?
Reddit offers discussions like this. In this case, the experience of asthmatic patients seems to be divided. If a person is suffering from asthma and continues to consume cannabis, feel free to share your experiences in the comment section below.
The research described in this article does not constitute medical advice and should not be treated as such. If you want to explore cannabis as a treatment for a particular disease or illness, we recommend that you consult your doctor.
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