CBD and allergic reactions: What you need to know

Watery eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, constipation... these are all symptoms associated with allergic diseases. Allergies are now known to affect a large number of people around the world. In UK, 20 to 30% of the population is thought to be affected each year. And their impact on the quality of life of those affected remains a real challenge to overcome. Although medical treatments already exist, CBD appears to offer hope as a way of reducing allergic reactions.

Cannabidiol cannabidiol has positive effects on histamine, a hormone secreted when the immune response to an allergen is extreme. It therefore helps to normalize the release of this hormone in order to reduce allergies. In addition to this function, CBD also has anti-inflammatory, which have a major effect on allergic bronchospasms, for example. We tell you everything you need to know about CBD and allergies in this article. 

Allergic reactions: how do they work?

All allergies are intrinsically linked to immune reactions caused by substances called allergens. These are generally considered harmless products. They are substances that, when inhaled, ingested, or simply touched, cause increased reluctance in some people. In other words, your tolerance to certain substances decreases significantly, regardless of how they are used. This disproportionate reaction of the immune system is called an allergy.

Allergens are therefore considered enemies by the body, which responds by implementing mechanisms to eliminate them. They can be enemies to the eyes, skin, throat, nose, and many other parts of the human body. It should be noted that there are several forms of allergies, which means that allergic symptoms vary from one condition to another. The most common symptoms include:

• Sneezing;
• Swelling of the throat or lips;
• Constipation;
• Anaphylactic shock;
• Watery or red eyes.

They can also sometimes cause breathing difficulties, with asthma-related symptoms. 

Allergic reactions: different types of allergies and traditional treatments

First of all, it should be noted that there are approximately five types of allergies. When discussing traditional treatments for diseases, there are three types.

Types of allergies

As mentioned above, they can be classified into five categories. A distinction must be made between skin allergies, which affect the skin. These generally manifest aseczema and hives, following contact of an allergen with the skin. Drug allergies, which are related to taking medication. 

Its symptoms can range from digestive problems to edema and skin reactions. The third category relates to food allergies caused by foods that a particular person should not consume. Some newborns are intolerant to cow's milk, but this disappears over time.

Now, we need to list seasonal allergies. These occur periodically, with the arrival of spring, grass pollen, etc. In addition, some people may experience annual allergies year-round allergies, and others may have allergies to insect bites and stings. Generally, these are caused either by airborne allergens or by insects such as bees, wasps, etc.

What are the conventional solutions for treating allergies?

Before getting to the CBD, the most well-known conventional treatments for allergic allergic reactions are generally of three types. The first is prescription medication, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, and anti-allergy eye drops. The second is treatment that eliminates the source of the allergens. These treatments focus on preventing allergies. The process is very simple: identify and eliminate the allergies. 

However, it should be noted that this is impossible with certain types of allergies, such as those caused by insects. Finally, conventional treatments for allergies include desensitization treatment. It is based on the principle of human adaptation to the environment. Desensitization therefore consists of gradually training the human body to tolerate the presence of an allergen.

Side effects of conventional allergy treatments and potential reasons for using CBD

As listed above, conventional allergy treatments can have side effects on the body in certain contexts. Compared to CBD products, antihistamines often cause side effects in the immune system. These generally include:

• Dry mouth;
• Urinary retention;
• Mental confusion;
• Accommodation-related disorders;
• Constipation, etc.

Similarly, treatment by eliminating the source of the allergen remains ineffective in the case of volatile allergens, a problem that CBD can solve. Compared to the desensitization method for allergic reactions, many questions remain unanswered. All these reasons justify why it may be beneficial to use CBD CBD to effectively combat allergies. Before returning to this topic, we must ask ourselves what CBD is. 

CBD and its current reputation

CBD, or cannabidiol for scientists, currently enjoys a strong reputation due to its positive effects on consumers. It is a substance that generally comes from cannabis. Contrary to popular belief, CBD has many nutritional properties that are beneficial to the immune system. It is the complete opposite of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is well known for its "high" effects. Its content is limited to 0.3% in CBD products in the UK. CBD products in UK. 

What is the impact of CBD on allergies?

Through its positive effects, CBD has various actions on the human metabolism to combat allergic reactions. Almost all of its properties can be used to relieve certain conditions. In total, we will distinguish between seven ways in which CBD could act on allergies.

CBD and histamine release in the body

As previously noted, histamine release results from a strong immune response to allergens. CBD may help normalize the production of these hormones to alleviate allergy symptoms. This has been demonstrated in a study published in 2005. The study states that CBD has a moderating effect on mast cells in areas such as:

• The mucous membranes;
• Connective tissues;
• And the dermis.

The role of mast cells in these areas is to detect foreign bodies or pathogens and help eliminate them. This involves the significant production of heparin, which is an anticoagulant, and histamine, which generally causes allergic reactions. Through its ability to inhibit mast cells, CBD can therefore regulate or even stop the secretion of histamines.

Cannabidiol and its anti-inflammatory properties

In certain contexts, allergic reactions can manifest as inflammation. At the same time, several research findings reveal the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. A study published in December 2019 entitled "Anti-inflammatory effect of Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis" discusses this. It found that inflammatory markers decrease significantly after contact with CBD. 

Since inflammation is one of the most common allergic symptoms, the use of CBD products could be beneficial as part of a treatment plan.

Allergic reaction: CBD and asthma

Like inflammation, asthma is also a recurring symptom caused by allergic reactions. The good news is that CBD may be a therapeutic option for treating asthma attacks. A study conducted in 2019 showed that cannabidiol can help reduce respiratory problems in rodents with asthma.

It must be said that asthma attacks are also linked to the release of cytokines. These represent signals from immune cells, enabling them to act remotely on foreign bodies to optimize their activity. This is obviously a source of allergic reactions. CBD therefore appears to have the ability to detect and stop cytokine signals, thereby reducing the risk of asthma. 

The impact of CBD on skin allergies

Hives, contact dermatitis, and contact eczema are often caused by skin allergies. CBD could also help here thanks to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. For some time now, this substance has been cited as having beneficial effects on these conditions. In utopian use, it can be a powerful ally in improving skin well-being. CBD can soothe skin irritations, which can be beneficial for people suffering from contact allergies.

Its rehydrating effect on the epidermis should not be overlooked. CBD could be an interesting product for rehydrating your skin following an allergy and reducing the urge to scratch. It is important to note that itching is often caused by skin allergies. This leads to discomfort, especially the urge to scratch the skin constantly, which weakens it and delays the healing of the affected areas.

Allergic rhinitis and CBD

Rhinitis, or a "runny nose," is one of the most unpleasant symptoms of allergic diseases. It results from the immune system's disproportionate reaction to an allergen detected by the sense of smell. The CBD can help respond to this reaction by regulating cytokines. In reality, contact between the immune system and the allergen manifests itself in an initial physiological reaction involving the significant release of cytokines.

Due to redundant signals in the body, cellular responses to allergies occur in succession. As a result, the nose runs, sometimes periodically, i.e., each time cytokine signals are emitted. Cannabidiol therefore has the ability to reduce or even stop these unwanted responses. 

Allergies: CBD on pulmonary contractions

A study published in 2015 entitled "Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics" showed the impact of CBD on the lungs. According to the results of this study, CBD has the ability to reduce lung contractions. These contractions are known to be responsible for restricted airways. This condition obviously leads to breathing difficulties, which can sometimes cause asthma attacks.

This study therefore revealed the significant influence of CBD molecules on the respiratory system. It may help deliver anandamide, a substance that reduces the bronchial allergy process. 

Avoid mixing CBD and antihistamines.

When looking for allergy treatment, you may find yourself with several products. But regardless of the severity of your allergy symptoms, avoid mixing CBD and antihistamines. The interaction between these two products usually causes adverse effects that can worsen your condition.

Cannabis allergies: an existential phenomenon

Even though CBD is a potential solution for combating allergies, it is possible to be allergic to the substance itself. It should be noted that this generally affects a minority of consumers, and this is due to its source: cannabis. In reality, cannabidiol is not the only active compound derived from the cannabis or hemp plant. The other known active compound in this plant is THC.

However, cannabis develops certain categories of allergens such as LTP, which lipid transfer proteins, and even profilins. For information, LTPs are responsible for various allergic reactions because they are present in many food products, including fruits, seeds, and leaves. Consequently, if you develop allergies to cannabis, it will be up to you to decide whether or not to consume it. 

Allergic reaction: how should CBD be administered to combat allergies?

To combat your allergies, there are several ways to administer or consume CBD. Provided, of course, that you are not allergic to CBD products. There are several options available depending on the type of allergy you have developed. The most common method is sublingual consumption, which involves placing drops of CBD oil under the tongue. You can also take CBD capsules, which are designed to be swallowed.