A set of unusual antagonists – a doctor and an actor – have been arguing about a medical procedure. Here’s all you need to know about it
Over the last few days, Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, better known by his social media moniker of ‘The Liver Doc,’ and film star Samantha Ruth Prabhu have been arguing about a medical procedure – hydrogen peroxide nebulisation.
When Prabhu had advocated it in one of her posts, Dr Philips called her “health and science illiterate” triggering a war of words between the two unlikely adversaries. For many onlookers, the process itself and what it is used for, have remained an enigma as the focus remains on the face-off. Medibulletin takes you through it.
What is hydrogen peroxide nebulisation?
Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly used disinfectant used in medical setups, ambulances and to clean equipment. The trend using it in a nebuliser emerged around the time of the COVID19 pandemic causing alarm among many sections of doctors. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America had issued a statement that said: “Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a cleaner and stain remover, and can cause tissue damage if you swallow it or breathe it in…A nebulizer is a “breathing machine” used to treat asthma. It turns liquid asthma medicine into a mist. You then breathe in the medicine through a mask or mouthpiece. Only use asthma medicine prescribed by your doctor in your nebulizer. Other chemicals can be harmful to your lungs.”
What is Samantha using it for?
In her original controversial post, Samantha 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 tablets #alternative medicine @dr_mitra_basu_chhillar (sic).” She had tagged her doctor in the post.
What are the risks of using hydrogen peroxide in a nebulliser?
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry that says that the compound can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or by contact with the skin or eyes. If it is inhaled or nebulised in diluted form it can lead to severe irritation of the lungs. The AAA statement was referenced by Dr Philips in his post where he slammed the actor for her misleading advice. “A rational and logical response would be to delete the public health endangering posts and apologize to her millions of followers and vouch to never quote or cite fraudulent practices or practitioners.
I have absolutely ZERO hope for improving scientific temperament or rationalism in this country. Everyone role plays the victim of “scientific criticism” but will keep embracing and holding on to dogmatic views in healthcare, traditional untested observations or debunked dangerous therapies without shame or self reflection,” he wrote in a post on X.
