Introduction
Marijuana is prepared from a plant named cannabis. Some individuals misuse marijuana smoke to manage their stress.
The smoke from marijuana affects the lungs. The toxins and irritants present in the smoke produce adverse effects on the lungs. It triggers inflammatory mediators and produces inflammation. This swelling lasts longer and causes life-threatening lung diseases. Recent research says that the ingredients present in marijuana smoke can dilate the main air passages during inhalation. It can also affect the decision-making and coordinating ability of the individual.
What Are the Causes of Marijuana-Induced Lung Diseases?
The various forms of marijuana are as follows;
-
Joints- It is a hand-rolled cigarette. Smoke from these joints reaches the lungs and causes scarring.
-
Bongs- Bongs are available in the form of pipes or water pipes. The vapor produced from bongs can reach even the small blood vessels. Increased concentration of toxins damages the air sacs.
-
Bowls- The chemicals of marijuana present in bowls cause cancer.
-
Blunts- These are cigars wrapped partially or completely with marijuana. Severe use of blunts leads to inflammation of air passages.
-
Vapes - Marijuana products are used in the form of vapes with different flavors. It is popularly used by high school students.
What Are the Symptoms of Marijuana-Induced Lung Disease?
The various symptoms produced by using marijuana are as follows;
-
Cough- The body tries to react against chemicals present in marijuana. So it produces a continuous cough with mucus.
-
Hemoptysis- Severe lung illness due to marijuana use produces blood streaks in the phlegm.
-
Shortness of Breath- Though initially, the smoke from marijuana dilates the air passage, it causes shortness of breath later. This condition is called dyspnea.
-
Respiratory Infections- There is a decreased immunity due to constant exposure to harmful chemicals. So the individual gets frequent infections like sneezing and cold.
-
Wheezing- The fumes reach the lungs during inhalation and result in wheezing.
-
Fatigue- The individual becomes exhausted and loses weight due to respiratory problems.
What Are the Lung Diseases Caused by Marijuana?
The following lung diseases are caused by marijuana;
-
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder- The use of marijuana for decades causes the chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The thin lining of the lungs and the air passages are ruptured due to marijuana toxins.
-
Bronchitis- The toxins present in marijuana smoke disrupt the air cells and cause inflammation of bronchial tubes.
-
Emphysema- The inner surface of air sacs is injured due to marijuana. It increases the size of air sacs, which in turn reduces the surface area of the lungs. So the level of oxygen reaching the bloodstream is reduced.
-
Lung Tumor- The toxins provoke the cancer cells and cause lung tumors. Both lobes are affected. It is the common cause of death. The carcinogens damage the lungs and reduce their functional capacity.
How Are Marijuana-Induced Lung Diseases Diagnosed?
The marijuana-induced lung diseases can be diagnosed by the following methods;
-
Blood Test- The specimen is collected from the individual who is addicted to marijuana. The amount of toxins in the blood can be detected using laboratory examination. It is used to determine the severity of marijuana use.
-
Sputum Test- In the case of hemoptysis, the sputum produced due to marijuana smoke is collected. It is used to diagnose respiratory conditions.
-
Chest X-Rays- There is increased opacity in the lungs due to the smoke produced from marijuana. It can be observed in the radiographic image. The condition of air passage due to toxins can be diagnosed using X-rays.
-
Computerized Tomography- The stiffness of the lungs due to marijuana smoke can be detected using computerized tomography. The progress of lung disease is identified using computed tomography.
How Are Marijuana-Induced Lung Diseases Treated?
The marijuana-induced lung diseases are treated by the following methods;
-
Medication- Though severe lung diseases due to marijuana use cannot be cured completely. The symptoms can be managed by using medication. Oral steroids are advised to decrease the inflammatory reaction produced by marijuana toxins. Antibiotics are given to treat respiratory infections and coughs. Inhalers with steroids are also prescribed.
-
Oxygen Therapy- Supportive oxygen therapy is given to the individual who has breathing difficulty. Individuals who damaged alveoli due to marijuana smoke are treated with supplemental oxygen. It can be used in the home or hospital.
-
Lung Transplant- If marijuana use has affected the lungs to a greater extent, it causes serious complications. The impaired lung function can be treated by replacing the lungs. Many pre-existing factors like a donor-recipient match, underlying systemic conditions, and age should be considered before a lung transplant. The life expectancy is five years.
What Are the Preventive Measures to Control Using Marijuana?
-
The individual should follow behavioral therapy and take the necessary steps to reduce the length of time and amount of marijuana used.
-
The family members of the individual using marijuana joints are affected due to second-hand exposure. So try to avoid such exposures.
-
If the individual is trying to withdraw from the use of marijuana, there are many cessation programs conducted by social organizations and rehabilitation centers.
-
The dependence on marijuana can be managed by using de-addiction tablets.
-
The individual should stay engaged with work and involve in other activities.
-
Do more physical activities and meditation to divert the mind.
-
Pregnant women should avoid using marijuana smoke as it causes attention deficit for the baby.
Conclusion
Using marijuana is similar to using tobacco. Do not replace tobacco with marijuana during smoking cessation therapy because both are harmful to life. The tolerance to marijuana use is high compared to smoking tobacco. Many people think that marijuana helps in improving conditions like facial nerve pain and glaucoma. But this is a complete myth. Though marijuana gives temporary relief, no research or medical professionals have proven its benefits. Using marijuana during teens makes the individual suffer from lung diseases in later stages and makes life miserable. The condition is even worse in individuals who use both tobacco and marijuana. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and marijuana use are severely affected.
