Does it work? What current research shows



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Cannabidiol (CBD) has grown in popularity to help treat a variety of health issues. You may be wondering if this type of cannabinoid can help manage your asthma symptoms.

Like other cannabinoids, CBD is derived from the cannabis plant. But unlike cannabis (often referred to as marijuana), CBD has no hallucinogenic effect due to its extremely low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content (usually less than 0.3%).

Marijuana and CBD can be used, under the supervision of a doctor, to treat pain. But what interests many people about CBD oil is the potential to treat inflammation.

As a chronic lung disease, asthma is caused by an underlying inflammation of the airways, with flares causing wheezing, coughing, and other breathing problems.

Despite its potential role in airway inflammation, can CBD oil really treat asthma? Learn more about what the research says and when you might consider exploring this method of treatment with your doctor.

CBD is gaining more and more attention due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Some research also states that it may offer more neuroprotective benefits than vitamins C and E.

CBD oil can decrease the hyperresponsiveness of your airways, which means your lungs may become less sensitive to asthma triggers. In turn, this means less flare-ups and symptoms such as coughing.

A Study 2019 found that CBD decreased airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in mice induced by allergic asthma. However, more research is needed in humans to determine if CBD oil is an effective treatment for allergic asthma.

CBD oil is taken orally by putting the recommended number of drops in your mouth and swallowing them.

Although researchers have used misted versions of CBD in animal studies, it is not advisable to smoke or vape CBD oil in humans due to possible irritation of the respiratory tract. .

Clinical studies of CBD oil and asthma in humans are lacking, so the appropriate dosages for asthma are unknown.

So far, research has shown that a maximum of 1500 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day may be safe for human consumption.

If your doctor recommends adding CBD oil to your asthma treatment plan, they may suggest an appropriate dosage.

The right dosage for you depends on a number of factors, including the type of product and your body weight. Your doctor may adjust your dosage depending on your response to treatment.

Despite the potential benefits of CBD oil for asthma, side effects from using CBD for other purposes have been reported in animal and in vitro studies. Side effects include:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • Rashes
  • decreased appetite
  • drowsiness or insomnia
  • abnormal liver function

Long-term studies in humans are needed to determine if CBD is safe for asthma and if there are any side effects. To date, studies of CBD in humans have been small and have only looked at short-term use.

It is not known whether CBD oil interacts with other asthma medications. Do not stop taking your current asthma treatments or change any dose without talking to your doctor first.

CBD is known to interact with other drugs because of how it affects certain enzymes your body uses to metabolize these drugs. Talk to your doctor before using CBD oil if you are taking any of the following medications:

  • diclofenac (Cambia, Flector), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat arthritis, migraine and other types of chronic pain
  • omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), a proton pump inhibitor that treats heartburn and acid reflux
  • rifampicin (Rifampicin), an antibiotic mainly used for tuberculosis
  • risperidone (Risperdal), an antipsychotic drug used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
  • theophylline, an oral medicine used to treat symptoms of asthma or other lung conditions, such as chronic bronchitis or emphysema
  • warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), a blood thinner that treats and prevents blood clots

With the growing number of CBD products on the market, choosing the right CBD oil for you can be a daunting task. As a general rule, it is important to select a product made in the United States and tested by third parties.

Hemp-based oils may be the best, as they contain traces of THC, compared to marijuana.

It is also important to find a brand of pure, organic CBD oil. Pesticides and microorganisms have been found in some CBD products.

To date, only one prescription form of CBD has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Epidiolex, which is derived from CBD, is used to treat seizures caused by Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.

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Like asthma, more research is needed to determine if CBD is an effective treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Some animal studies have shown the role of CBD in reducing lung inflammation and improving function, but human studies are needed to determine safety and effectiveness.

Speak with a doctor if you want to learn more about CBD oil as a possible treatment for asthma.

If your current medications are working, switching to CBD may not be recommended. However, talk to your doctor if you’re still experiencing symptoms and flare-ups as part of your current asthma treatment plan.

Taking CBD without your doctor’s supervision may increase the risk of side effects and decrease its effectiveness. Your doctor can recommend an appropriate dosage, help you monitor side effects, and assess your overall lung function.

CBD oil is considered part of a complementary treatment plan, which can also include conventional asthma medications. Do not stop taking prescription drugs without first consulting your doctor.

CBD oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in clinical settings, which may hold promise in the future of asthma treatment.

Until more human studies are conducted, however, there is no conclusive evidence that CBD oil should replace a conventional asthma treatment plan.

Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your asthma symptoms and if CBD oil may be right for you. They can help provide dosage advice and watch for potential side effects.

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