If you live with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you are probably searching for an organic and effective mode of treatment with minimal side effects. Some claims are circulating on the internet that CBD can effectively manage this condition. But are these claims valid?
CBD is also known as cannabidiol, and it is an organic compound derived from the cannabis or hemp plant. This product contains a medicinal value, and according to anecdotal studies, it can effectively manage chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, back spasms, sleep disorders, arthritis, among others. Despite being derived from the marijuana plant, CBD has little or zero psychoactive properties.
In some studies, CBD was found to manage some stubborn symptoms of COPD in animals. According to the studies, CBD products managed to control symptoms such as coughing and airway inflammation. You can find more about the use of CBD on https://www.bmmagazine.co.uk/.
How Does CBD Manage COPD Symptoms?
The treatment of COPD is procedural and will demand strict medical follow-up. During treatment, most physicians use oxygen therapy to manage COPD symptoms and prevent the rapid progression of the disease. In severe cases, the doctor may opt for more invasive procedures such as surgery, including lung transplants.
The efficacy of CBD in managing COPD symptoms is still unknown, and research is still in its infancy stage. However, it is believed that medical marijuana products can help relax airways and facilitate better breathing in asthmatic and COPD patients.
CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving symptoms. Thus, there is evidence that COPD is effective as a bronchodilator and will help alleviate COPD symptoms.
How Does CBD work as a Bronchodilator?
According to some studies, medical marijuana products sold by Botanicam exhibit some form of bronchodilatory properties. It is believed that these products can help in dilating your respiratory airways, reducing breathing resistance, and ensuring there is better airflow in your lungs.
The bronchodilator effects of medical marijuana products could help relieve some of the symptoms of COPD. Since inhaled or ingested CBD products help improve airflow to the lungs, they can assist patients with COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath. Thus, in the long run, consuming medical marijuana products will slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the nasty side effects.
How Does CBD work as an Anti-inflammatory?
CBD typically affects molecules that are intrinsic in the inflammation process known as cytokines. By involving those inflammatory molecules in your tissues, there will be a dramatic reduction in inflammation. Infusing medical marijuana products will reduce inflammation in your lungs, thus minimize the symptoms of COPD.
What are the Types of CBD to Consider for COPD
As stated earlier, CBD does not necessarily offer curative options for COPD; it primarily helps manage the stubborn symptoms of the disease. There are multiple forms of CBD available in the market which can be effective in suppressing COPD symptoms.
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CBD Oil
CBD oil is one of the most prevalent CBD options available in the market. You can either directly diffuse the product using a diffuser, apply topically, or ingest it orally. For COPD patients, it’s recommended that they apply CBD oil on the neck and chest to minimize some of the COPD symptoms.
You can also opt to inhale the CBD oil using either a vaping device or a vape pen. Inhaling stimulates immediate relaxation and delivers CBD directly to your lungs and bloodstream. However, it is paramount to regulate the amount you inhale as inhaling large doses can lead to lung irritation or inflammation.
It is essential to look for pure products that cause further irritation to your lungs, and the vapes have zero or minimal additives. The CBD oil you consume should be sourced from genuine and authentic sellers who have a valid certificate.
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CBD Edibles
CBD edibles such as gummies, food-grade medical marijuana, and food products are also prevalent in the CBD market. These edible products are also helpful, but their use to manage adverse symptoms of COPD is anecdotal. Also, determining the right amount of dosage to consume is complex, and you should consult your physician before opting for this organic method of treatment.
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CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are also another alternative medical marijuana product available in the market. However, these capsules have reduced bioavailability as they pass via the digestive system and may be rapidly destroyed by the gastric acids. Also, they have a slower onset of therapeutical effects.
However, capsules are the best option for people who don’t like the taste of CBD oil products. Most of these capsules have minimal odor or flavor, and each capsule has a specific dose.
What is the Right CBD Dosage for COPD?
The Food and Drug Association (FDA) has not approved CBD for the management of COPD symptoms. Essentially FDA does not regulate the proper dosage for medical marijuana products. Thus, most patients or physicians use trial and error methods until they find the appropriate dosage that effectively manages the severe symptoms of COPD.
Thus there is no specific dosage when it comes to the management of COPD. For you to identify the correct dosage, you must consider some essential factors.
- Consumption method-the methods can either be orally, sublingually, topically or inhaling. Each method has a different absorption rate and bioavailability. For instance, CBD capsules have lower bioavailability when compared to CBD vapors.
- Your body weight and age-these two will also determine the dosage of the CBD product. For people with a higher BMI, they will require a higher dosage.
When determining the correct dosage of the CBD product, it is intrinsic to start with low doses while checking for any potential side effects. If you tolerate the organic products well with minimal side effects, you can gradually adjust the quantities.
Key Takeaway
CBD products can manage some of the adverse side effects of COPD. But the research about the efficacy of this product is still inconclusive. It is also important to note that COPD has some side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, and diarrhea. Thus it is essential to consult your physician before using these CBD products, who will advise you on the appropriate dosage and other risk factors.
