Smoking marijuana is associated with respiratory problems such aschronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)and recurrent lung infections.
The effects are dose-dependent: The more marijuana you smoke, the higher your risk of developing respiratory issues.
You are likely to experience more severe effects if you smokebothmarijuana and cigarettes.
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These symptoms are generally worse with physical exertion, an effect that is often described as exercise intolerance.
Over time, the effects of smoking marijuana can become persistent and severe.
These may be accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
What About Medical Marijuana?
At the current time, medicinal marijuana is not thought to be harmful to the lungs.
There’s simply not enough research to determine safety.
If you are diagnosed with marijuana-induced lung disease, you may need to begin medical or surgical treatment.
Be upfront with your healthcare provider about your drug use.
These values often change as a result of lung disease.
A spirometer can measure the volume of air that you expire and inspire at timed intervals.
PFTs include:
Your healthcare providers may also determine yourFEV1/FVCratio.
These tests can show signs ofpneumonia(a lung infection) or COPD.
In some instances, you may need to have abronchoscopy, which is an interventional imaging test.
With this, your healthcare provider places a camera into your breathing tubes to visualize your lungs.
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