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How CBD is Providing Hope for Asthma Patients

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Written by The CBD Insider

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With growing prevalence and inadequate treatment, the need is great for novel therapy in asthma. Although research is still limited, a 2015 study by universities in Brazil is suggesting cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential new asthma treatment. Supporting this study is the emergence of a new study conducted by the world’s leading cannabis researchers that will test CBD’s potential ability to decrease inflammation, clear airways, and prevent asthmatic symptoms from triggering at all. These therapeutic benefits could provide patients with the hope for a better life.

Table of Contents

  1. An Overview of Asthma
  2. How Asthma Works
  3. Pathophysiology of Asthma
  4. Medication for Asthma
  5. Studies on CBD Treating Asthma
  6. Evaluation of CBD for Asthmatic Inflammation
  7. Review of Cannabinoids for Inflammation and Inflammatory Pain
  8. Activation of Cannabinoid Receptors in Preventing Asthmatic Reaction
  9. A New, Breakthrough Study
  10. How CBD Treats Asthma
  11. CBD as an Anti-inflammatory
  12. CBD Inhibits Mucus Production
  13. CBD May Prevent Airway Obstruction
  14. CBD as a Preventative
  15. Asthma Patients Have Reason to Hope With CBD

An Overview of Asthma

an overview of asthma

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, an estimated 26 million people in America suffer from asthma, including seven million children. This makes asthma the leading chronic disease in children. Consequently, asthma causes a staggering average of 13.8 million school absences per year. For adults, the annual economic loss in work productivity is estimated at $81.9 billion.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in the lungs, characterized by restricted breathing. The most common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Depending on the frequency of these symptoms and how severely they degrade quality of life, patients can also experience depression.

Symptoms can be triggered by allergens and non-allergens. Allergic triggers can include outdoor allergens such as pollen, grass, and trees, or indoor allergens like dust and pet dander. Non-allergic triggers consist of weather, exercise, illness, stress, physical displays of emotion that affect normal breathing (e.g. shouting, screaming, laughing), and environmental irritants such as smoke, pollutants, and chemicals.

Other triggers include illnesses which affect the respiratory system like the common cold, drugs and over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, or food additives like preservatives (however, food triggers are rare).

Asthma is often confused as an allergy since the symptoms are only seen when triggered. However, asthma is a chronic disease and is always present even when a patient is not experiencing symptoms. Thus, allergens may trigger symptoms but are not the cause of asthma.

Unfortunately, there is no known cause of asthma. Genetic abnormalities are considered the most likely culprit.

Anyone can develop asthma, yet some people are more susceptible and may experience more severe symptoms. For example, the disease is more common in children than adults, yet adults are four times more likely to die from it. In addition, boys are more likely to get asthma than girls, but women are more likely than men.

Puerto Ricans and African-Americans are at the highest risk of developing the disease, being hospitalized, and dying from it, often due to poor environmental conditions. Around 3,300 Americans die from asthma each year.

How Asthma Works

Before diving into how CBD may treat asthma, it is important to know how asthma works and is currently treated.

Pathophysiology of Asthma

Asthma is characterized by inflammation in the bronchial tubes, causing difficulty breathing. Inflammation is caused by the presence of immune cells called T-helper cells (Th1 and Th2). These cells produce proinflammatory proteins called cytokines and cytokines are produced when the lungs experience a trigger.

This immune response is abnormal. For healthy individuals, allergens cause no problem. However, when an allergen or other substance enters the lungs of an asthma patient, the immune system perceives the substance as foreign and triggers its inflammatory response.

Another characteristic of asthma is hyperreactivity of the airways. In patients with asthma, their airways contract too much and too easily when a trigger is introduced. This action causes wheezing, chest tightness, and other asthmatic symptoms.

Asthma patients also have excess mucus secreted in their lungs, worsening symptoms. Excess mucus is associated with the rising levels of IL-13, a cytokine protein. As this cytokine rises in the lungs, excess mucus is secreted, adding further obstruction to the airways.

pathophysiology of asthma
Medication for Asthma

No cure is currently available for asthma.

If undiagnosed and not appropriately treated, the disease can lead to death; however, death is often easily avoidable. Several medications exist to manage symptoms. Patients will often have two medications on hand, one for long-term management and another for fast relief of symptoms.

The quick-acting medications are bronchodilators which open up the airways and help remove mucus. Long-term medications are often corticosteroids, such as Symbicort, Flovent, and Advair.

Steroids are powerful drugs and can be dangerous if misused.

If used too long, these medications may cause significant side effects such as infections in the mouth, a weakened immune system increasing the risk of infections, a rise in blood sugar which may lead to diabetes, and stunted growth in children.

Additionally, many patients cannot control or can only partially control their asthma with medication. Especially in cases of severe asthma, patients find little to no relief with medication.

This fact and the potential dangers of prolonged use of medication have created the need to explore and develop novel therapies to more effectively treat asthma.

Fortunately, CBD has positive research behind it that demonstrates it may be a safe and effective way to manage asthma and prevent attacks.

Studies on CBD Treating Asthma

The following studies illustrate the effects of CBD and the endocannabinoid system (the bodily system CBD interacts with) on asthma:

Evaluation of CBD for Asthmatic Inflammation

In the Brazilian university study noted earlier, researchers tested CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects on asthma in rats. Twenty-one rats were split into three groups, with one group receiving CBD.

The researchers measured the levels of several cytokines to test CBD’s effectiveness.

CBD was found to inhibit the production of all but one cytokine, resulting in significantly decreased inflammation. The cytokines CBD suppressed in the study are also found in human asthma, which encouraged researchers that CBD’s anti-inflammatory effect will translate to humans.

The study also noted that past research has shown CBD is well tolerated by humans even when administered chronically, indicating CBD is a potentially safer treatment than medication.

Review of Cannabinoids for Inflammation and Inflammatory Pain
cbd has the potential to be a bronchodilator

A 2012 study conducted by the University of Florence in Italy explored the role of the endocannabinoid system in asthma.

The research found the activation of cannabinoid receptors on the nerve endings of bronchi acted like a bronchodilator, which opens the airways and allows for unrestricted breathing. It was also concluded that preventing the breakdown of endocannabinoids can reduce pain caused by inflammation.

Since CBD helps activate these receptors, CBD has the potential to be a bronchodilator and an effective analgesic.

Activation of Cannabinoid Receptors in Preventing Asthmatic Reaction

Another study by the University of Florence on guinea pigs aimed to evaluate the role of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in preventing asthmatic symptoms.

The study concluded that both receptors were involved in protecting the lungs and targeting them could be a potential preventative therapy for asthma patients.

A New, Breakthrough Study

As a result of the limited yet promising research above, CIITECH (a biotech company based in the UK and Israel) has funded professors from the Multidisciplinary Center on Cannabinoid Research of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to conduct their own study.

Asthma expert Dr. Francesca Levi-Schaffer and cannabis researcher Dr. Raphael Mechoulam will be working together to study CBD’s potential as a therapy for symptoms of asthma.

The study will test how CBD affects asthma in humans for the first time. The preliminary results of the research should be coming out in the near future.

Israel was one of the first countries to legalize medical marijuana and is one of the world leaders in cannabis research with a government-sponsored cannabis research and development program. As a result, the university has conducted many cannabis studies and is a leader in the field.

Results from this study have the potential to provide significantly more scientific and societal legitimacy to CBD, especially since the study’s announcement received considerable media attention. CIITECH is confident the results will be convincing, entitling an article on their website, “We’re going to prove cannabis can treat asthma.”

Clifton Flack, founder of CIITECH, said he wants to create CBD food supplements based on the research. Creating food supplements instead of medication will save the company time and millions of dollars in regulatory approvals while also providing a product that is widely accessible to consumers.

Professor Levi-Schaffer said an inhaled type of CBD medication could be produced as well.

How CBD Treats Asthma

how cbd treats asthma

When choosing a specific CBD product, it is important to go with a reputable brand. Check out our Receptra Naturals review for our take on a trustworthy premium CBD brand.

CBD treats asthma by activating receptors in the endocannabinoid system (the body’s natural source for cannabinoids). By activating these receptors, CBD produces its therapeutic effects. CBD’s potential effects include the potential to decrease inflammation, inhibit mucus production, reduce airway obstruction, and prevent asthma symptoms.

CBD as an Anti-inflammatory

According to the Brazilian study, CBD has the potential to reduce inflammation in asthma patients. T-helper cells find their way to the respiratory system and produce cytokines when responding to an asthmatic trigger, such as an allergen. In turn, cytokines produce inflammation which results in shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

CBD is an anti-inflammatory as it suppresses the responses of T-helper cells. As a result, cytokines are drastically reduced and inflammation subsides, allowing patients to breathe easier. CBD may also reduce the pain associated with inflammation by activating endocannabinoid receptors.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) also plays a role in inflammation and adds to the severity of asthma. TNF is another type of cytokine that causes inflammation and influences other cells to do so as well. CBD was found to specifically lower TNF levels and reduce overall inflammation.

CBD Inhibits Mucus Production

Mucus adds to the severity of asthma symptoms and contributes to the obstruction of airways. The introduction of cytokines causes the excess mucus. The cytokine protein IL-13 is widely considered to be the cause of the occurrence.

Fortunately, CBD has been shown to specifically reduce IL-13 levels in the lungs. This effect allows patients to more easily expel mucus from their body via coughing and prevents excess production.

CBD May Prevent Airway Obstruction

The airways in asthma patients tend to be hyperreactive and contract too easily. This often leads to obstructed airways. A study by the Institute for Clinical Pharmacology in Germany showed that an endocannabinoid neurotransmitter called anandamide could restrain this obstruction.

When asthma is induced by a trigger, anandamide increases in a fluid created by the bronchi. The level of anandamide present correlates with the severity of obstruction and inflammation in the airways. For example, if the concentration of anandamide was high, the severity of the obstruction was low.

CBD has been known to promote anandamide levels. It does so by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down anandamide, maintaining higher anandamide levels and preventing bronchi obstruction.

CBD as a Preventative

Prevention is the best medicine, and studies show CBD has the potential to protect the lungs from asthmatic symptoms.

Cannabinoid receptors play the largest role in prevention. As the studies above concluded, activating these receptors has the potential to protect the lungs from becoming inflamed even when a trigger occurs. This would prevent patients from experiencing symptoms, allowing them to enjoy a normal life.

In addition, suppressing cytokine production and raising anandamide levels in the bronchial fluid could keep asthmatic symptoms at bay.

Asthma Patients Have Reason to Hope With CBD

Asthma is a serious illness and complicates the lives of its sufferers. With millions of patients in the US alone, and tens of millions more worldwide, it is important to offer hope by finding new therapies that provide relief for everyone.

CBD is providing new hope for those who cannot adequately manage their asthma with medication or do not wish to because of the potential side effects.

Despite limited research, CBD’s therapeutic effects for the disease are promising, and previous studies prove CBD is a safer treatment than pharmaceutical medication. Additionally, the CIITECH/Hebrew University of Jerusalem study should encourage patients that the cannabinoid’s benefits for the disease may soon be solidified.

As further research is confirming, CBD is a promising therapy for asthma and will help many patients lead happier, healthier lives.

Have you or a loved one used CBD for asthma? What kind of results did you achieve? Share your story with us in the comments!

Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only. We are not medical experts and nothing should be construed as medical advice. Be sure to speak with your physician before taking CBD or any other treatment.

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19 Comments

  • Avatar for EnvytaLyfe CBD Oil Reviews EnvytaLyfe CBD Oil Reviews says:

    Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the
    challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is useful.
    Many thanks for sharing!

  • Avatar for zack colton zack colton says:

    I had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for 7 years. My first symptoms were dry cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath. My first chest x-ray only showed bronchitis. Finally I went to a pulmonologist and was diagnosed with COPD,i never thought i could get rid of this lung disease not until I found CBD

  • Avatar for Felix lina Felix lina says:

    I am not sure of the cause of COPD emphysema in my case. I smoked pack a day for 12 or 13 years, but quit 40 years ago. I have been an outdoor person all my adult life. Coughing started last summer producing thick mucus, greenish tint to clear. I tried prednisone and antibiotics, but no change. X-rays are negative, heart lungs and blood and serum chemistries all are normal. I have lung calcification from childhood bout with histoplasmosis. I am 75 years old and retired.

  • Avatar for Peter Jackson Peter Jackson says:

    I knew many benefits of CBD but treating Asthma was not included in it.
    Thanks for sharing this valuable information.

  • Avatar for TH TH says:

    I have been living with allergic asthma since I was born. I was first treated with human immunoglobulin when I was young and was able to live asthma-free from 8 to 24 years of age. Then the asthma returned, Drs. put me on steroid medication which has had terrible side effects on me over the last 14 years (moon face, weight gain, mood changes), respiratory tests show I breathe in 25% less air without inhalers; so confirmed asthmatic. I had good success with homeopathy but my asthma never seemed to fully go away, however, at least it became manageable without steroids for a while.

    I live in Canada and have been very skeptical of the legalization last year in 2019. However, yesterday I gave CBD a try as at this point, I want anything that is not a steroid medication… My chest my was tight, and I tried a high CBD low THC in smokeable form (did not experience intoxication ‘high’, which was great), it was hard to get down at first but I began to sense immediate relief of chest pain and airways opened up and felt relaxed, I was able to get a full night sleep without inhaler medication. My nasal cavity was also dry, I avoid dairy and sugar to prevent mucus formation. This is how I landed here; looking for more information as to how and why CBD worked. I hope this can be something that can help manage my asthma in the longterm, and I am hopeful. I will be trying the oil next. Hope this helps someone, try it — seriously.

    • Avatar for Ian Ian says:

      We love hearing stories like this! We are glad you were able to find something to help treat your autoimmune issues 🙂

  • Avatar for Carmen Walters Carmen Walters says:

    I vape cbd and it’s been helping my asthma for months versus the inhaler which did nothing for me but cbd keeps me breathing better than the inhaler I would highly recommend using cbd

    • Avatar for Toi Toi says:

      Do you mind telling me which vape products your using i have asthma as well im looking for other alternatives than the 2 inhalers and allergy meds i use daily

  • Avatar for Denise Denise says:

    How much CBD and THC should be used for asthma? Any estimates so that I may try it for my asthma?

    • Avatar for Ian Ian says:

      You should speak with your healthcare practitioner before using CBD for asthma or any other condition.

      Typical doses range from about 30mg to 125mg. Pending approval from your doctor, you could start off by trying 30mg and gradually increasing the dosage until you find a level that works for you.

      I hope you find what works for you!

  • Avatar for Monte F Crooks Monte F Crooks says:

    In six months, I’ll turn 68-years-old. At age 3, the doctors at the Respiratory Clinic in Oklahoma City informed my distraught parents that we were lucky. Their little boy was, indeed, asthmatic but was only allergic to two things, anything he could eat and anything he could breathe. I vividly remember the two rows of allergy test sites down each arm and four rows down my back, with every site hugely reacting and sending me into anaphylactic shock, which was only stopped by a large injection of epinephrine. I’m pretty sick and tired of dealing with both asthma and hay-fever and wish there was a study in which I could participate in the benefits of CBD vs. both. Any suggestions?

    • Avatar for Ian Ian says:

      Hi Monte,

      Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry that you’ve had to live with such a debilitating case of asthma your entire life.

      If you reach out to me directly, I’ll do my best to connect you with any potential upcoming studies.

      You can contact me at: ian [at] thecbdinsider.com

  • Avatar for WJ WJ says:

    I purchased Plus CBD oil for my husband to try for his neuropathy. Within 3 days of taking the oil he started feeling relief. Now he hardly ever has any burning pain. He kept pushing me to try it and I really didn’t have any aches or pains except asthma. I had been on inhalers for over 10 year. I started taking the CBD oil and woke up on my 4th day and realized I didn’t need to take any of my inhalers that morning. It continued to get even better and I’m excited to say that I haven’t used an inhaler since that morning and it’s been over a year! I can’t tell you how much it has changed my life. I has worked like a miracle for me. I am so glad you are doing research for CBD on asthma symptoms. It needs to be an option for asthma patients not to mention all the other benefits.

  • Avatar for Wanda Wanda says:

    I was on 2 inhalers for 10 yrs which included an inhaled steroid. I started taking CBD oil over a year ago. I never dreamed it would work to improve my asthma. On the 4th day of taking Plus CBD gold oil I woke up and felt amazing. I told my husband I didn’t need to take my inhalers right now but probably would later. Later never happened and I haven’t had not one puff of an inhaler since. I’ve been inhaler free for 16 months. I breath better and easier than ever before. I am 69 yrs old and so thankful for CBD.
    There is a possible chance it has reduced my dry Macular. I think I will know for sure after my next appt in February 2021. It improved by 50% at my last retna specialist visit.

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