Asthma refers to a chronic inflammation of the lungs that causes coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. It is the most common respiratory disorder and can be limiting and discouraging for those who have it. But the latest research has indicated the benefits of taking CBD for Asthma symptoms. Read this article to find out how CBD can have an impactful effect on your condition.
Benefits of CBD in Asthma Treatment
The main benefits of CBD in treating asthma are linked to its nature as a cannabinoid. This makes it have the ability to bind to receptors that trigger a set of events and thereby leading to the alteration of neurotransmitter activity. CBD has proven bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects. It gives many advantages to asthma patients. They are:-
- Relieves Chest Pain
Although not the primary symptom of asthma, around 76% of asthma patients suffer from moderate to severe chest pain during an attack. This pain is characterized by a stinging sensation in the chest that gradually subsides with time.
A lot of research was conducted to explore the benefits of using cannabinoids as analgesics to relieve pain. A 2008 study by GW Pharmaceuticals concluded that CBD and related to phytocannabinoids act as analgesics by affecting the endocannabinoid system(ECS).
The endocannabinoid causing mediating pain is 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), and its plant-derived analog is found in CBD. Therefore CBD is effective in managing asthma-related pain by binding to specific nociceptors.
- CBD Exhibits Bactericidal Effect
There is increasing evidence that certain infections, particularly by Streptococcus pneumonia in early childhood, can trigger asthma, even though genetics and family history is considered the major risk factors contributing to developing asthma.
Studies are also conducted to develop potential antibiotics to combat and reduce short-term symptoms and long-term asthma manifestation. Until specialized options are widely available, treatment relies mostly on administering common drugs that might lead to antibiotic resistance. Nowadays, cannabinoids have gained prominence in asthma medications.
Studies in the Netherlands have investigated and found out that the broad spectrum bactericidal effect of phytocannabinoids against several pathogens. Asthma causing Streptococci and staphylococci are particularly susceptible to CBD based products.
- CBD Relieves Inflammation
Chronic inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles are major complications arising due to asthma. The levels of inflammation get amplified during an attack and increasingly constricts the passages. This prevents airflow and culminates in muscular spasms.
This state of inflammation is brought about by an immune response to the presence of pathogenic bacteria or the presence of allergens and viruses in the respiratory system. The degree of inflammation varies between individuals and the severity of the attack.
The Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense conducted an experimental study and observed the effects of CBD on an animal model of asthma and found a significant decrease in inflammatory cytokines. It was attributed to the cannabinoid receptors in the lung tissue that plays a major role in mediating inflammation, muscle contractions, and relaxation.
CBD offers several medicinal benefits, especially in treating respiratory diseases like asthma. CBD for asthma patients has been a great relief in alleviating asthma-related symptoms such as inflammation, chest pain, etc.
