Why Was Samantha Ruth Prabhu Slammed For Hydrogen Peroxide Nebulizer? What Are The Risks?

Actor Samatha Ruth Prabhu has been slammed for advocating hydrogen peroxide nebulisation on Instagram for a viral infection instead of using medicines. “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.

Her post drew reactions from experts and medical practitioners, including Dr Abby Philips, who is popularly know as TheLiverDoc on X. Dr Philips criticised the actor for spreading misinformation.

“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 posted on social media.

Several hours after The Liver Doc’s scathing remarks, Samantha shared a three-page statement explaining that she shared it with good intentions and not to harm anyone. Further, she defended herself saying that her doctor with 25 years of experience suggested it to her. She said, without naming TheLiverDoc, that he should have targeted her doctor and had a debate with him instead of passing such harsh comments.

Who Said What?

In another post, TheLiverDoc called the actor a “serial offender” in the context of healthcare misinformation. “The reason why doctors like me have to spend (waste) time from our busy schedules to fight misinformation online is because it is peddled by large influential “celebrity” accounts that have no regard for public health,” he said on X.

Three-time Grammy Award winner and environmentalist Ricky Kej supported The Liver Doc, and wrote “one cannot play with people’s lives with advice, which is half-baked”.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu also received a lot of support from her friends and fans on Instagram. Varun Dhawan, Rhea Chakraborty, Lakshmi Manchu and several others support her.

This is not for the first time that Samantha Ruth Prabhu and TheLiverDoc have engaged in a war of words. Earlier, he called her out for promoting ‘dandelion roots for liver detoxification’ with a guest on her health podcast on YouTube.

The actor has in the past posted on alternative medicines and treatments on social media.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide Nebulisation?

Hydrogen peroxide nebulisation involves inhaling a mist of diluted hydrogen peroxide through a nebulizer, 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.

According to the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, when the highly concentrated chemical compound is nebulised and inhaled it can lead to the production of harmful by-products or gases that damage the lungs and cause inflammation in the airways.

What are the Risks Involved?

“Inhalation of vapors, mists or aerosols from concentrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide can cause significant morbidity. Because it is nearly odourless and non-irritating except at high concentrations, persons may not be aware of its presence. No odour threshold was located for hydrogen peroxide. Detection of odour does not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide vapour is heavier than air and may cause asphyxiation in enclosed, poorly ventilated or low-lying areas,” according to US’ Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Inhalation of hydrogen peroxide mist can lead to chemical pneumonitis, a condition where the lungs become inflamed due to exposure to irritants or chemicals. This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up blood.

Being a reactive chemical compound, hydrogen peroxide nebulization can lead to the production of harmful by-products or gases that can further irritate the respiratory system.

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,” as quoted by The Firstpost.

When Doctors Opposed Hydrogen Peroxide Nebulizer During Covid

Medical practitioners had strongly advised against inhaling a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and saline solution as a home remedy for Covid-19 or pneumonia.

Anyone who would use a nebulizer during a viral infection, doctors recommended to use solutions that typically include medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids that are formulated for safe inhalation.

Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or allergies are vulnerable to the effects of irritants like hydrogen peroxide and should avoid its use in a nebulizer altogether.

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.

It is always safe to consult a doctor for diagnosis and effective treatment.