Emphysema

Can medicinal cannabis help patients with emphysema deal with chronic symptoms? Let’s find out below. 

What is Emphysema?

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Emphysema is a lung disease, and the leading cause is smoking, but other causes include air pollution and hazardous chemical fumes. It results from damage to the walls of the alveoli in the lungs. A blockage may develop, trapping air inside the lungs. With fewer alveoli, less oxygen moves into the bloodstream. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. A doctor can diagnose emphysema through imaging and breathing tests, and treatment includes quitting smoking or medications.

How common is it?

Around three million Americans have emphysema per year. COPD, in general, affects more than 15 million adults in the U.S., with more people not knowing they have it. Over half of those diagnosed are women. COPD is a primary cause of disability and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. 

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that worsens over time. It restricts the airways causing less airflow, making breathing a challenging task.

What are the stages of emphysema?

Emphysema worsens with time; however, the amount of time it takes and the severity of symptoms depend on the individual. 

Mild (stage 1 or early stage)

The first sign of emphysema is feeling out of breath with mild exercises, like walking up stairs. Another sign is a cough with mucus that’s particularly troublesome in the morning.

Moderate to severe (stages 2 and 3)

Even during daily activities, shortness of breath becomes evident with more advanced emphysema. You may develop shortness of breath even during everyday activities. Increased phlegm, discoloration of phlegm, and lung infections are generally more common in the later stages of emphysema. 

Very severe (stage 4)

With severe emphysema, most activities cause shortness of breath. An oxygen tank is often needed, which causes limited mobility. 

Causes of Emphysema

Emphysema can typically be prevented, mainly by not smoking cigarettes which is the leading cause of COPD. Most people with COPD and emphysema usually smoke or used to smoke, but thirty percent have not. They often have a rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. In the United States, the term COPD includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. 

Other causes include:

• Air Pollution
• Secondhand smoke
• Workplace dust and fumes

Signs & Symptoms

• Long-term cough with mucus
• Difficulty with deep breathing
• Shortness of breath with mild exercise.
• Shortness of breath performing daily activities.
• Long-term Wheezing

Diagnosis & Treatment

To assess your lungs and overall health, a doctor will want to understand your medical history, perform a physical exam and order breathing tests.

Those tests may include the following: 

• Pulse oximetry
• Arterial blood gases (ABGs)
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Chest X-ray or chest C.T. scan
• Exercise testing

Emphysema treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and avoiding respiratory infections. Your doctor may recommend the following options:

• Bronchodilators
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Supplemental oxygen
• Antibiotics
• Vaccinations
• Rehabilitation
• Anticholinergics
• Leukotriene modifiers
• Expectorants
• Antihistamines
• Antivirals

Potential Risks of MMJ

The potential risks of medical marijuana include the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Paranoia
• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Dry or Red eyes
• Slowed cognitive function
• Extreme fatigue
• If you are on coagulants or blood thinners, you may want to remain cautious with edibles because THC can significantly slow down blood clotting. 
• Smoking can be worse in the lungs due to smoked cannabis inhalation.

The Endocannabinoid System & Emphysema

Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant and are also produced naturally by our bodies. Humans have an endocannabinoid system that organically produces cannabinoids. These compounds are essential to maintaining internal balance through many different body systems.

Cannabinoids interact with our ECS to help maintain homeostasis through a messenger system of molecules and receptors. Sleep, energy, cardiovascular health, reproduction, stress, chronic pain, motivation, appetite, digestion, and more are some bodily functions that cannabinoids impact. CBD and THC are cannabinoids that can potentially help those with symptoms of emphysema. 

Can medical marijuana help with emphysema? 

 A 2016 journal from Nature summarized nineteen COPD studies on forced vital capacity (FVC), which is the force and speed of exhaling. The trial study demonstrated that non-inhaled medicinal marijuana increases the FVC that COPD decreases. 

Medical cannabis has been reported to alleviate emphysema symptoms due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to reduce mucus, relieve pain, and promote healthy sleep patterns, providing temporary relief. 

THC has been studied since the 1970s as an effective bronchodilator. It can widen the bronchi allowing more airflow. THC and CBD are also known to have anti-inflammatory effects. A recent study found that cannabis oil containing CBD, CBDA, and THC extract may increase airflow and decrease inflammation. 

Non-inhalation methods of cannabis are safest for patients with emphysema, such as edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and capsules. Talk to your doctor or cannabis coach about adding medical cannabis to your treatment plan.