The emergence of colds and cases of flu is undoubtedly a contributing element to why winter is officially the least favoured season for most people. In contrast to the milder and more gradual onset of colds, a flu attack typically comes on suddenly and is accompanied by severe fatigue, body pains, and headaches. These typical respiratory infections might cause you to toss and turn at night, a swollen and runny nose, and loud mouth breathing. They can also make you feel awful for a week or longer.
Whether it’s hot toddies or steamy bowls of soup, every one of us has a collection of go-to treatments for when we’re feeling under the weather. Additionally, for some cannabis users, marijuana might assist to pass the time and reduce the suffering from colds and flu.
But how does cannabis affect a body battling the flu or a cold? Is it safe to smoke marijuana when coughing and wheezing? Is it true that marijuana can help with cold or flu symptoms, or is it just wishful thinking? Let’s examine whether marijuana can be beneficial or dangerous if you have the flu or a cold. And remember, whenever you’re in doubt, always seek help from professionals!
What effects might marijuana have on the respiratory system?
There is strong evidence to suggest that regular cannabis use, even when healthy, might cause undesirable respiratory symptoms such as cough, phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, throat inflammation, and if you already have asthma, exacerbated asthma symptoms.
These negative consequences result from irritation brought on by smoke’s heat, which can affect the lungs’ and airways’ fragile respiratory tissue. Those who routinely smoke cannabis may experience more severe effects (like several times per day.) Smoking marijuana infrequently may still induce short-term respiratory symptoms like coughing or a burning throat, but it’s less likely to harm the lungs permanently.
When compared to smoking, evidence indicates that vaping reduces the risk of developing persistent respiratory issues. One study found that compared to cannabis smokers, vaporizer users were 40% less likely to have coughing, phlegm, and chest tightness. In a different study, 12 of 20 participants quit smoking in favour of vaping for 30 days, and they discovered that their lung health and respiratory symptoms had improved.
In other words, smoking marijuana frequently can harm your throat, lungs, and airways even if you aren’t contagious from the flu or a cold, whereas vaping seems to have fewer adverse effects on the respiratory system. It probably isn’t a good idea to light up while you’re extremely congested and coughing like a seal.
When you have the flu or a cold, can cannabis make you feel worse?
Colds and flu are infections of the respiratory system, encompassing the nose, throat, mouth, airways, and lungs. A sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, and an abundance of phlegm are some telltale symptoms that are similar to those of chronic cannabis users.
It makes it obvious that smoking would make whatever unpleasant sensations you’re already feeling worse if your throat and lungs are already irritated. Experts and users appear to agree that it is preferable to use topicals, tinctures, or edibles when combating an infection in order to spare the respiratory system from strain.
When you’re sick, certain other marijuana effects might not be acceptable. Particularly the flu can make you feel weak and faint, and certain marijuana strains can also make you feel faint. If you combine the two, things can get worse for you. It should go without saying that trying heavy marijuana doses while recovering from the flu is not a good idea.
Can marijuana help with cold and flu symptoms?
There is a lot of evidence to support the idea that marijuana can ease aches and pains, reduce headaches, help with insomnia and sleeplessness, increase appetite, and ease aches and pains, all of which are common symptoms of colds and touches of flu, despite the fact that there is little research that specifically examines the effects of cannabis on colds and the flu.
A fascinating finding from a study is that infrequent cannabis use may contribute to bronchodilation, a condition in which the airways temporarily widen for 15 to 60 minutes. According to this research, rarely smokers may be able to breathe more deeply for a short time after smoking, which may provide temporary relief from wheezing or shortness of breath, albeit it may be mild and fleeting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re feeling under the weather, use topicals, tinctures, or edibles to treat the infection and give your body time to cope with it. If at all possible, try to refrain from coughing excessively; your throat will appreciate it!