Fact Check: Can Inhaling Hydrogen Peroxide and Distilled Water Treat Common Viral Infections?
Claim: An Instagram story shared by actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has gone viral. With over 35 million followers on Instagram, the actress claimed that inhaling a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water is an alternative medication for common viral infections. She wrote, “Before taking medication for a common viral, consider trying an alternative approach. One option is to nebulize with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water. Works like magic. Avoid unnecessary use of medicine. #alternativemedicine.” The story can be seen here.
A common viral infection is an illness caused by a virus, a microscopic parasite that invades and replicates within human cells. Unlike bacteria, viruses lack the machinery to reproduce independently. (1)
Transmission: Viruses can spread in various ways, including Airborne transmission (coughing, sneezing), Direct contact (touching an infected person or contaminated surface), Bodily fluids (saliva, blood) and Animal bites (depending on the virus).
Symptoms vary depending on the specific virus but can include: Fever, Fatigue, Cough, Sore throat, Runny or stuffy nose, Muscle aches and Diarrhea.
How are common viral treated?
Dr Kamal Kant Kohli, Chest Specialist, explained the treatment followed in case of common viral infections , “Common viral infections are usually treated by managing the symptoms. This includes getting plenty of rest, staying well-hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms such as fever, cough, and congestion. In certain cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe antiviral medications. It's important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, as they can provide guidance tailored to your specific condition and needs.”
It is also important to consult a doctor and get proper medical investigation to understand the cause of viral infections, as certain infectious diseases can appear like a common viral infection but may have serious consequences.
Can inhaling a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water be an alternative for medications for common viral?
No, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that states that a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water be an alternative for medications for common viral infection. In fact, there is a lot of evidence and consensus against the indiscriminate use of hydrogen peroxide.
This was also seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America emphasized that hydrogen peroxide should not be used in a nebulizer and inhaled. They said, " A concerning and dangerous trend is circulating on social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. People are breathing in hydrogen peroxide through nebulizers to try to prevent or treat COVID-19. DO NOT put hydrogen peroxide into your nebulizer and breathe it in. This is dangerous! It is not a way to prevent nor treat COVID-19." (2)
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a federal public health agency under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which focuses on preventing harmful exposures and diseases related to toxic substances- Hydrogen peroxide can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or by contact with the skin or eyes. Inhalation of household-strength hydrogen peroxide (3%) can cause respiratory irritation. Inhalation of vapours from concentrated (higher than 10%) solutions may result in severe pulmonary irritation." (3)
An article published in Cureus by Andrew Manfra et. al. concluded that Inhalation of hydrogen peroxide might produce acute pneumonitis distinct from what has been described previously with chronic inhalation. (4)
What do experts say?
This post coming from a leading actor has garnered a lot of attention prompting medical experts to come out and warn against the claim made inn the post
Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, also known as Liverdoc, responded to the claim and criticzed the actor for her endorsement of unscientific and pseudoscientific alternative medicine therapies. He highlighted the need for a rational and logical response from Samantha, suggesting that she should delete posts that endanger public health, apologize to her followers, and commit to not endorsing fraudulent practices in the future
“The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America warns people not to nebulize and breathe in hydrogen peroxide because it is dangerous for health. In a rational and scientifically progressive society, this woman would be charged with endangering public health and fined or put behind bars. She needs help or a better advisor in her team.”
The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team spoke with Dr Mrigakshi Aggarwal, Pulmonologist at Sanjeevan Hospital, New Delhi, she said, “Inhaling a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water is not a safe or effective treatment for common viral infections. Hydrogen peroxide can cause significant damage to the respiratory tract and other tissues. Patients should rely on evidence-based treatments and consult healthcare professionals for managing viral infections.”
Medical Dialogues Final Take:
There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that inhaling a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water is an effective treatment for common viral infections. In fact, medical experts and authoritative health organizations, including the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, have warned against the use of hydrogen peroxide in nebulizers due to its potential to cause serious respiratory damage and other health risks. It is crucial for individuals to rely on evidence-based treatments and consult healthcare professionals for managing viral infections. Misinformation, especially when spread by influential figures, can have dangerous consequences and compromise public health.
Hence, this claim is FALSE.
References
1. World Health Organization. Viruses. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news
2. DANGER! Don’t Nebulize Hydrogen Peroxide and Breathe It to Try to Treat or Prevent COVID-19 | Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (aafa.org)
3. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2002). Hydrogen Peroxide (CAS #7722-84-1) Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts174.pdf
4. Manfra A, Sharma J, Kilburn J. Inhalation Pneumonitis Caused by Nebulized Hydrogen Peroxide. Cureus. 2023 Apr 25;15(4):e38116. doi: 10.7759/cureus.38116. PMID: 37252527; PMCID: PMC10212745.
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