What is hydrogen peroxide nebulisation that got Samantha Ruth Prabhu in trouble?

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, a beloved figure in Indian cinema, recently found herself embroiled in a controversy after advocating for hydrogen peroxide nebulisation on social media.

In her post on Instagram, Samantha suggested an alternative approach to treating viral infections, urging her followers to try nebulising with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water instead of resorting to medications.

“Before taking medication for a common viral, consider trying an alternative approach,” Samantha wrote. “One option is to nebulize with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water. Works like magic. Avoid unnecessary use of pills,” she added.

This endorsement caught the attention of Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known on social media as “The Liver Doc,” who vehemently criticised Samantha’s recommendation. Dr. Philips labelled the actress as “health and science illiterate” and accused her doctors of being “businessmen.” He also issued a stern warning about the potential dangers of hydrogen peroxide nebulisation.

But what exactly is hydrogen peroxide nebulisation, and why has it sparked such a heated debate? Let’s delve deeper into this controversial treatment and the risks it poses.

Understanding hydrogen peroxide nebulisation

Hydrogen peroxide nebulisation involves inhaling a mist of diluted hydrogen peroxide through a nebuliser, a device commonly used to deliver medication directly into the lungs for conditions like asthma.

Hydrogen peroxide, composed of hydrogen and oxygen, is an antiseptic used as an oxidising and disinfecting agent in various applications. This chemical compound is found in bleaches, dyes, antiseptics, and disinfectants.

However, when this highly concentrated chemical compound is nebulised and inhaled, it can potentially interact with substances in the air or residues in the nebuliser equipment. According to the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, this interaction can lead to the production of harmful by-products or gases that damage the lungs and cause inflammation in the airways.

The science and the risks

Proponents of this method claim that it can help cleanse the respiratory tract, kill pathogens, and prevent respiratory infections. However, these claims are not backed by health experts.

Even the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nebulistion of the chemical compound for any medical use citing potential health risks, a Medical News Today report said.

Mucosal irritation

Inhaling hydrogen peroxide can damage the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract, which provides moisture to tissues and protects the airway from inhaled dust, toxins, and pathogens.

When high concentration is inhaled it can lead to mucosal irritation, which means an inflammation or discomfort in the mucous membranes. This can lead to swelling, pain, burning, dryness, and difficulty in swallowing. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that even 3 per cent of the solution can irritate the mucosal tissue and cause asphyxiation.

Damages lungs

Inhaling hydrogen peroxide poses a significant risk of developing pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid builds up in the lungs, leading to severe respiratory distress and dangerously low oxygen levels in the blood. This can escalate to life-threatening complications, says the US CDC.

Additionally, it can cause pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs triggered by long exposure to irritants or chemicals,  a study published in the journal Cureus said.  It can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood, making it a serious health concern.

Cytotoxicity

Dr Roohi Pirzada, a General Physician based in Mumbai explains in Only My Health, “Hydrogen Peroxide is cytotoxic, meaning it can kill cells. Inhaling hydrogen peroxide can lead to cellular damage and death within the respiratory system, particularly affecting the delicate cells lining the lungs,”

According to a study published in Nature, cytotoxicity operates through various mechanisms such as membrane degradation, DNA impairment, oxidative stress, and disruption of cellular functions, ultimately contributing to tissue damage and cell death.

War of words

After facing criticism, Samantha responded with a three-page statement, clarifying that she had shared the nebulisation method with good intentions and not to harm anyone. Defending herself, the actor pointed out that her recommendation was based on advice from her doctor with 25 years of experience.

Without directly naming The Liver Doc, Samantha suggested that critics should engage in debates with her doctor rather than targeting her personally with harsh comments.

The Liver Doc once again called her a “serial offender in the context of healthcare misinformation”. He reiterated that he would be provocative and strongly criticise such posts to help people.

“I have been fighting medical/health misinformation for the longest time and it just does not seem to end. I have come to understand that the only way to fight medical misinformation is to consistently speak about it and make examples of people who mislead and misinform,” TheLiverDoc had earlier posted on social media.

Additionally, three-time Grammy Award winner and environmentalist Ricky Kej voiced support for The Liver Doc, stating that Samantha’s advocacy of the treatment ventures into dangerous territory. He endorsed The Liver Doc’s decision to confront Samantha’s endorsements, backed by numerous supporters.

samantha should just take the L and delete everything. leave these medical advices to actual doctors. https://t.co/2H6pSRV3Yf

Do alternatives exist?

Yes, but depends.

According to Cambridge University Hospitals, saline nebulisers help to thin down the secretion, which makes it easier to cough up and swallow. It can mitigate the functional signs of threatening pulmonary obstruction and treat mild respiratory problems, according to a study published in the journal, Physiological Research.

However, it is always safer to consult doctors for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment as it may vary depending on the type of virus infecting the person.

With input from agencies