Swallowing problems, medically known as dysphagia, can be a terrifying experience for anyone, especially older adults. Imagine being unable to eat or drink because of the fear that food or even water will get stuck in your throat. For one 82-year-old woman, this fear became a reality, leaving her family desperate for a solution. Thankfully, a combination of CBD and THC from cannabis provided the miracle they needed to completely resolve her swallowing problems and transform her life.
Understanding Swallowing Problems and the Fear They Cause
Dysphagia can be caused by various factors, such as surgery, esophageal procedures, or anxiety around eating. In the case of this patient, a recent esophageal dilation left her terrified of eating. Every time she tried, she felt like her throat was closing, leading to a “stuck” sensation that made her afraid of choking. As a result, she stopped eating and drinking altogether, which led to severe weight loss.
The family was at a crossroads. The next step was to consider a feeding tube, but this was a last resort. Her daughter, desperate for help, brought her to Pharmtrue after hearing about our expertise in cannabis-based solutions for health issues.
How Cannabis Helped
When the family visited our pharmacy, we recommended a high-CBD, low-THC tincture as an option. This blend would address both the inflammation and anxiety causing her fear of eating, without the psychoactive effects that often come with THC. While CBD is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, a small amount of THC could potentially help stimulate her appetite.
At first, the family decided to try only a high-CBD tincture. But after a few days without improvement, they returned to Pharmtrue to discuss trying the 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC tincture. With the family’s approval, the patient began using the 20:1 formula.
A Dramatic Turnaround
Two weeks later, the family returned with amazing news: the patient had gained five pounds and was now eating regularly. Not only did the CBD help calm her anxiety around eating, but the small dose of THC stimulated her appetite without causing any psychoactive effects.
This was a major win for the patient and her family. They successfully avoided a feeding tube, greatly improving her quality of life and future. The patient’s success shows how cannabis can help manage swallowing issues, especially when anxiety and fear are present.
Why Cannabis Works for Swallowing Problems
1. CBD for Anxiety: One of the more unique causes of anxiety problems, especially in older adults, is swallowing problems. For many, CBD exhibits anti-anxiety effects, helping to calm both the mind and body.
2. THC for Appetite: Even in small doses, THC has the ability to stimulate appetite. This is critical for patients who are afraid to eat due to previous negative experiences. In this case, the combination of THC and CBD helped the patient regain her appetite without experiencing any overwhelming psychoactive effects.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may also play a role in soothing the throat and esophagus, reducing the sensation of tightness or irritation. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the issue, cannabis offers a holistic approach to treatment.
Key Takeaways
This patient’s story is a powerful example of how cannabis, particularly a blend of CBD and THC, can provide relief in situations where traditional treatments have failed. If your loved one is experiencing swallowing problems and anxiety, it may be worth exploring cannabis as an option. With the right balance of cannabinoids, you can see dramatic improvements, just as this family did.
Why You Should Consider Pharmtrue
At Pharmtrue, we are dedicated to providing expert, pharmacist-formulated cannabis products tailored to individual needs. We work closely with families to ensure the best possible outcomes, offering personalized consultations and high-quality products you can trust.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Explore how cannabis can make a difference in your loved one’s life.