Samantha Ruth Prabhu slammed over social media for hydrogen peroxide nebuliser: All about it

Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been slammed over social media for posting on hydrogen peroxide. In a post on Instagram, Samantha recommended nebulizing with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water. She suggested doing this for a viral infection instead of taking medicines.
The post garnered attention over social media. Dr Abby Philips, who is popular on social media platform, X.com as TheLiverDoc, criticized her for spreading misinformation.However, on Saturday, he apologized to her and labeled her doctors as 'businessmen'.

"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 has posted on social media.
This incident is a lesson for everyone who try alternative therapies, following words of mouth or social media, instead of visiting a doctor.

Hydrogen peroxide, especially in concentrations higher than those typically found in household solutions (which are typically 3%), can be highly irritating to the respiratory tract. Nebulizing hydrogen peroxide can lead to inflammation of the airways, causing coughing, throat irritation, and potentially more severe respiratory distress.

“Inhalation of vapors, mists, or aerosols from concentrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide can cause significant morbidity. Because it is nearly odorless and nonirritating except at high concentrations, persons may not be aware of its presence. No odor threshold was located for hydrogen peroxide (the OSHA PEL is 1 ppm). Detection of odor does not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide vapor is heavier than air and may cause asphyxiation in enclosed, poorly ventilated, or low-lying areas,” the US CDC warns.
“If ingested, solutions of hydrogen peroxide up to concentrations of 9% are generally nontoxic; however, even a 3% solution is mildly irritating to mucosal tissue and may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Ingestion of industrial-strength solutions ( 10%) causes systemic toxicity and has been associated with fatalities,” it adds.
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. Hydrogen peroxide is a reactive chemical compound. When nebulized, it can potentially interact with substances in the air or residues in the nebulizer equipment, leading to the production of harmful by-products or gases that can further irritate the respiratory system.

Hydrogen peroxide nebulizer was in use during COVID; doctors had recommended against its use
During COVID, when people self prescribed themselves with a a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and saline solution as a home remedy, doctors had recommended against it. "Medical professionals strongly advise against inhaling a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and saline solution as a home remedy for COVID-19 or pneumonia. Videos shared on social media encouraging the use of such a "treatment" are misleading users online," Reuters had fact checked.
For individuals considering using a nebulizer for respiratory treatments, it’s important to use solutions that are specifically designed and approved for nebulization. These solutions typically include medications such as bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) or corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide) that are formulated for safe inhalation.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before using a nebulizer, especially if you are considering unconventional treatments or solutions.
Use the nebulizer according to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations. Using substances not intended for nebulization can damage the equipment and pose health risks.
Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or allergies are particularly vulnerable to the effects of irritants like hydrogen peroxide and should avoid its use in a nebulizer altogether.