What is hydrogen peroxide nebulisation that got Samantha in trouble?

SIBY JEYYA
The well-liked character samantha Ruth Prabhu from indian film recently became involved in a controversy after supporting hydrogen peroxide nebulization on social media. samantha encouraged her followers to try nebulizing with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water as an alternative to taking medicine for viral infections in her instagram post.
 
Samantha said, "Consider trying an alternative approach before taking medication for a common viral." Nebulization with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water is one method. Functions like a magic. Prevent using medications needlessly," she continued. However, what is hydrogen peroxide nebulization precisely, and why has it generated such a contentious discussion? Let's examine this contentious approach and the dangers it presents in more detail.
 

Understanding hydrogen peroxide nebulisation

Inhaling a mist of diluted hydrogen peroxide using a nebulizer—a device frequently used to provide medicine directly into the lungs for illnesses including asthma—entails hydrogen peroxide nebulization.
 
Composed of hydrogen and oxygen, hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that finds usage in a variety of applications as an oxidising and disinfecting agent. Bleaches, dyes, antiseptics, and disinfectants all include this chemical.
 
On the other hand, this extremely concentrated chemical compound may react with airborne particles or leftovers from the nebulizer apparatus when breathed. The formation of hazardous gases or byproducts from this interaction may injure the lungs and inflame the airways, according to the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

The science and the risks

This method's proponents assert that it can aid in pathogen destruction, respiratory tract cleansing, and respiratory illness prevention. health professionals, however, do not support these assertions. According to a Medical news Today article, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not even authorised the chemical compound's nebulization for any medical usage due to possible health hazards.

Mucosal irritation

The mucosal lining of the respiratory tract, which keeps tissues moist and shields the airway from pollutants, dust, and infections, can be harmed by hydrogen peroxide inhalation.
 
High concentrations have the potential to cause mucosal irritation, or inflammation or pain in the mucous membranes, when breathed. This may result in burning, soreness, swelling, dryness, and trouble swallowing. Asphyxiation can result from irritation of the mucosal tissue caused by as little as 3 percent of the solution, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Damages Lungs

Breathing in hydrogen peroxide increases the risk of pulmonary edoema, a disease in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing severe respiratory discomfort and dangerously low blood oxygen levels. The US CDC warns that this might worsen and result in potentially fatal consequences.
 
According to a research that was published in the journal Cureus, it can also result in pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs brought on by prolonged exposure to irritants or toxins.  It's a severe health problem since it can cause dyspnea, chest discomfort, and blood in the cough.

Cytotoxicity

In Only My health, Mumbai-based general practitioner Dr. Roohi Pirzada says that hydrogen peroxide is cytotoxic, which means that it may damage cells. Hydrogen peroxide inhalation can cause death or damage to cells in the respiratory system, especially to the sensitive cells lining the lungs.
 
A research that was published in Nature claims that cytotoxicity causes tissue damage and cell death by acting through a number of pathways, including membrane breakdown, dna damage, oxidative stress, and disruption of cellular activities.

Do Alternatives Exist?

Indeed, but in different circumstances.
 
Saline nebulizers, according to Cambridge university Hospitals, assist to thin out the secretion, making it easier to swallow and cough up. A research that was published in the journal Physiological Research found that it can alleviate moderate respiratory issues and lessen the functional indications of serious pulmonary blockage.
 
For a precise diagnosis and successful treatment, though, it is always advisable to speak with a doctor because these things might differ based on the kind of virus affecting the patient.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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