Actress Samantha Prabhu receives backlash for her hydrogen peroxide nebulizer post on Instagram

South film actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu has received backlash on social media over her Instagram post where she is seen suggesting nebulizing with a hydrogen peroxide and distilled water mixture rather than taking medication for a viral infection.

Dr. Abby Philips, also known as The LiverDoc criticized her for disseminating false material. He, however, apologized to Samantha on July 6 and referred to her doctors as "businessmen."

"I have been battling false information about medicine and health for a very long time, and it simply doesn't seem to be ending," he said on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter).

"I now realize that the only way to combat false information about medicine is to talk about it frequently and provide examples of people who mislead and misinform," he added.

Everyone who tries alternative medicines and relies on word-of-mouth or social media instead of going to the doctor should learn from this occurrence.

Hydrogen peroxide can be extremely irritating to the respiratory system, especially at concentrations higher than the standard 3% found in home solutions.

Inflammation of the airways brought on by nebulizing hydrogen peroxide might result in coughing, irritation of the throat, and possibly more serious respiratory distress.

Significant morbidity can result from inhaling vapors, mists, or aerosols from concentrated hydrogen peroxide solutions. Unless present in high concentrations, it is almost odorless and non-irritating; thus, people might not be aware of its existence.

Odor detection is insufficient to alert people to potentially dangerous concentrations. The US CDC issues a warning because hydrogen peroxide vapor is heavier than air and can result in asphyxiation in enclosed, inadequately ventilated, or low-lying situations.

Hydrogen peroxide solutions up to 9% concentrations are usually safe to consume; however, even a 3% solution might cause moderate irritation to mucosal tissue and induce vomiting and diarrhea.

Ingestion of 10% industrial-strength solutions has been linked to fatalities and causes systemic poisoning.

The inhalation of hydrogen peroxide mist may result in chemical pneumonitis, a medical disorder characterized by lung inflammation brought on by exposure to chemicals or irritants.

Symptoms, including chest pain, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath, may arise from this. The peroxide of hydrogen is a reactive chemical compound.

When nebulized, it may react with airborne particles or residues in the nebulizer apparatus, producing gases or hazardous byproducts that aggravate the respiratory tract even more.

During COVID, a hydrogen peroxide nebulizer was in use, despite medical advice to the contrary. Doctors advised against self-medicating during COVID-19, when people used hydrogen peroxide and saline solution as a home treatment.

It is crucial for anyone thinking about using a nebulizer for respiratory treatments to utilize solutions that have been approved and specifically developed for nebulization.

These remedies usually consist of drugs designed for safe inhalation, such as corticosteroids or bronchodilators.

Before using a nebulizer, always get medical advice, especially if you're thinking about trying out some non-traditional therapies or solutions. Follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the manufacturer when using the nebulizer.

Using materials that aren't meant for nebulization can harm the apparatus and be dangerous for your health. People who already have allergies, COPD, asthma, or other respiratory diseases are more sensitive to the effects of irritants like hydrogen peroxide and should not use it in a nebulizer at all.