Septicemia: Can Cannabis Fight It?

septicemia cannabis

The first time I really paid attention to septicemia was when my 85 years old father was taken up in the hospital due to a severe infection. They told us he has septicemia most likely derived from a scratch caused by his own fingernail on his leg. He survived, which was close to a miracle as can be because the fatality rate is exceedingly high. You stand a 50 % chance to survive and the older you are, the more likely it is to succumb to the disease. It is even harder when you are suffering from autoimmune diseases, which my father had. At that time, apart from several strokes due to a 90% narrowing of the main arteries to the brain, he also was diagnosed with psoriasis, hypertension, and ultimately leukemia. But against all odds, he survived.

When studying up on septicemia, I realized that it is more common than we think. Even today, with modern medicine and modern healthcare facilities, it is still happening. Often the cause of death in a hospital is due to this disease.

So, what is Septicemia then?

In the olden days, septicemia was commonly known as blood poisoning. It is a serious bloodstream infection when a bacterium enters either through the skin or another organ in the body. What makes it so dangerous is that because it is in the bloodstream, the infection can rapidly spread to the entire body. It is not just bacteria that has to be worried about, but also other toxins. Septicemia must quickly be dealt with. If not, it quickly progresses to sepsis. Sepsis is a serious complication of septicemia that causes inflammation throughout the body. The cause of lack of oxygen and blood clots reach to organ failure and ultimately death. When the inflammation occurs when the blood pressure is extremely low, a person goes into septic shock. Septic shock is almost always fatal.

For the longest time, minor cuts and common infectious are easily treatable. But the world is all upside down today and bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. The good news is that cannabis shows promise to treat unmanageable infections like septicemia.

How does one get Septicemia?

When an infection is severe in any part of the body, it easily goes over into septicemia. Several bacteria can cause septicemia, but the exact origin of the infection is not always clear. The most common infections that often lead to septicemia are:

Urinary tract infections

Lung infections like pneumonia

Kidney infections

Infections in the abdominal area

When the infection enters the bloodstream, it multiplies rapidly, and immediate symptoms can be seen. Those that are already in the hospital, especially when they had surgery, are more at risk to develop septicemia. This makes it more difficult to fight as the bacteria might already be resistant to antibiotics. Other people at high risk for septicemia are:

Those with severe wounds or burns

If you are super young or very old

If your immune system is compromised due to a disease like HIV or leukemia. Chemotherapy or steroid injections could also be the cause.

Urinary or intravenous catheters could also cause septicemia

Mechanical ventilators

Symptoms normally start quickly, and a person looks very sick. Typical symptoms are:

Chills and fever

Fast breathing

Rapid heart

Confusion and inability to think

Reduced urine volume

Inadequate blood flow

Shock

Why Cannabis is Good for treating Septicemia

By now we know that the endocannabinoid system helps to regulate physiological functions in the body. It is particularly involved with the immune system. Because of that, cannabis shows promise to be involved in the treatment of septicemia. When scientists manipulate the immune system, it can save lives. Cannabis has many anti-inflammatory properties and does extremely well in treating inflammatory diseases and conditions.

In a study done in China in 2013, scientists proved that cannabis introduced to the immune system protects the body against septicemia. When the CB2 receptors are activated, proinflammatory cytokines are reduced. Because of this finding, cannabis is seen to be an effective treatment for septicemia and sepsis.

What Symptoms of Septicemia Can Cannabis Help?

The cannabinoids in marijuana have many versatile properties. It is effective against inflammation, cancer, and many more conditions. Some of the symptoms of septicemia treatable by cannabis are:

Nausea and vomiting

Pain

Anxiety and depression

Problems sleeping

Marijuana has effective antiemetic properties and is excellent to treat nausea. It is also able to treat chronic pain and inflammation. When a person suffers to sleep, marijuana helps to induce sleep faster. It also lets a person sleep longer. Often when a person suffers from a severe illness, they also struggle with anxiety issues. Cannabis has a powerful relaxation effect and reduces stress effectively.

There are many ways to treat septicemia with cannabis. Smoking a joint might be debatable, but something like vaping could be used instead. Tinctures and oils could also be effective. Edibles could also be incorporated. It is advisable to use marijuana in microdoses to ensure the optimal healing effect.