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The Risks of Smoking Pot
The following page discusses the risks associated with smoking marijuana, including an increased risk of respiratory conditions. Marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxins as tobacco smoke and can cause respiratory problems. Approximately 1 in 10 people who use it become addicted. And if they started smoking marijuana before the age of 18, then their rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6. Some of the most common negative and long-term effects include permanent IQ loss, depression, anxiety, and psychotic episodes. The smoke is harmful to overall lung health because it leads to a greater exposure per breath to tar. Research shows the marijuana smokers tend to develop chronic bronchitis, air pockets in between both lungs, and can even affect the immune system. Over time, this may require the individual to seek out respiratory therapy.
All About Respiratory Therapy
Respiratory therapy is a healthcare profession that assists in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with respiratory disorders. Respiratory therapists (RTs) work with patients of all ages who have difficulty breathing, from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with chronic respiratory diseases. They use a variety of treatments and therapies to help patients breathe more easily and improve their quality of life. If you’re interested in getting a master’s degree in respiratory therapy, there are some online programs that allow you to earn your degree. The best part about online respiratory therapy programs is the fact that they’re flexible, which allow you to work full-time while still getting an education. You’ll learn about pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, bronchodilator therapy, and more.
Reducing Your Risk
Marijuana has been shown to have benefits for chronic conditions, such as pain relief and reducing inflammation. But if you’re not using marijuana carefully, you may risk developing bronchitis, respiratory infections, airway inflammation, or even a weakened immune system. The best way to avoid lung damage from marijuana is to avoid smoking it. If you do smoke marijuana regularly, try to smoke it less often and don’t smoke it as deeply. Taking smoking breaks once in a while can help your lung function. Water pipes filter out some of the harmful chemicals in marijuana smoke. So, if you do smoke marijuana, try to use a water pipe. Don’t hold your breath. When you smoke marijuana, try to exhale the smoke as soon as you inhale it. Holding your breath can increase the amount of smoke you inhale and the amount of harmful chemicals you breathe in. If you have problems with your lungs because of smoking marijuana, get medical help. There are treatments available that can help improve your lung function. You could also opt for edible cannabis products instead. When marijuana is eaten, it travels to the brain and other organs. This can help prevent you from developing respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and bronchitis.
Treatment Options
There are many different respiratory issues that can be caused from smoking pot. All of these conditions can be treated in a variety of ways. Bronchitis is typically treated with antibiotics if it is bacterial in nature, or with steroids if it is an asthma attack. Emphysema is typically treated with oxygen therapy, medications to open the airways, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Lung infections are treated with a combination of antibiotics and respiratory therapies. The specific antibiotics and respiratory therapies used will depend on the type of infection.
For bacterial infections, antibiotics will be prescribed. Whether you’re cooking cannabis-infused dishes, taking some breaks from smoking, or simply opting for cannabis-infused chocolate bars, there are plenty of ways to reap the benefits of marijuana while avoiding respiratory conditions.
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with smoking marijuana. Thankfully, there are plenty of edible alternatives, therapies, and other ways to reduce your risk of developing respiratory issues.
