Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu had sparked a controversy when she shared a photo wearing a nebuliser mask, claiming that adding a chemical compound called hydrogen peroxide to distilled water gave her relief from common viral symptoms.

Soon, Kerala-based hepatologist Dr Cyriac AB Phillips, popularly known as Liver Doctor on social media, accused him of spreading “misinformation” highlighting the dangers of hydrogen peroxide.

He shared a study conducted by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which warned people not to nebulise or breathe in hydrogen peroxide as it is hazardous to health.

Dr. Phillips later apologized to Samantha Ruth Prabhu for calling her “illiterate” in medical science. However, he cautioned people against spreading medical misinformation and asked patients suffering from chronic diseases to follow evidence-based practices.

He wrote, “I understand and sympathise with Samantha’s health situation and wish her the best. I apologise if the manner in which the message was delivered made her feel uncomfortable or offended. It was unintentional. My intention was to help her leave behind the “doctors” who spread medical misinformation and are exploiting her vulnerability and her experiences for their own gain.”

IndiaToday.in spoke to doctors to know more about nebulisation of hydrogen peroxide, especially in case of respiratory illnesses, and why it should not be used for inhalation.

A nebulizer is a medical device that turns liquid medication into a fine mist or droplets, making it easier to breathe in. Patients inhale this mist through a mouthpiece or mask.

The duration and frequency of nebulisation sessions vary depending on individual needs and medical advice.

Generally, brief sessions of a few minutes are recommended.

Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with a slightly pungent odor. It is used as an oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic, mostly as a diluted solution in water, for consumer use and in higher concentrations for industrial use.

Since it is used as a bleaching agent, doctors warn against inhaling it, especially because it can harm the delicate respiratory system.

“Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidative substance that is used to clean dirty wounds and remove dead tissue. Simply put, it produces heat and also burns tissues. Since it produces heat, it is capable of damaging delicate tissues in the body, from the trachea to the alveoli in the lungs,” explained Dr M Vali, senior consultant, internal medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

According to Dr Vikas Maurya, senior director and head of the department of pulmonology at Fortis Shalimar Bagh, inhaling hydrogen peroxide can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to irritation in the nose and throat, cough, shortness of breath, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and possible lung damage.

“It can also affect the skin and eyes if one comes in contact with it,” Dr Maurya said.

Dr Vali said that since Samantha is not a doctor, sharing such information on social media leads people to do the same without asking any questions, often resulting in them “going to the chemist without thinking to get their medicines.”

The expert said, “If you apply hydrogen peroxide on your hands, it burns your skin and forms small white blisters, which take 5 to 6 days to heal. Many people also do not understand the correct formula of taking this chemical with water.”

Nebulization should be done with a proper mixture of certain medicines prescribed by a medical professional under special circumstances.

“Inhaling hydrogen peroxide, even in diluted form, can cause irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract,” said Dr Mahaveer Modi, consultant pulmonologist at Ruby Hall Clinic.

Dr. Modi said that wrong concentrations or prolonged use can cause oxidative damage to lung tissue.

Additionally, major health organizations and medical experts have not officially endorsed hydrogen peroxide nebulization as a standard treatment for respiratory problems.