Investigating the Safety of Hydrogen Peroxide Nebulization for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Exploring Alternative Methods
In the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), treatments typically include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, and sometimes antibiotics. However, nebulized hydrogen peroxide is not recognised as a standard or evidence-based treatment for COPD [1][5].
Similarly, when it comes to COVID-19, no reputable studies or clinical trials have demonstrated that nebulized hydrogen peroxide prevents or treats SARS-CoV-2 infection effectively or safely. The agent is not recommended by health authorities for such use [2].
While some online sources suggest using a nebulizer to inhale a solution of diluted hydrogen peroxide and saline water for various lung conditions, these lack scientific validation and can be misleading [3]. It's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nebulized hydrogen peroxide for any medical use, including the treatment of COPD or other chronic lung diseases [4].
The COPD Foundation does not recommend nebulizing hydrogen peroxide for the treatment of COPD or any other lung condition. Ingesting hydrogen peroxide can cause a range of adverse effects, from mild symptoms like vomiting and throat irritation to more severe complications such as tissue burns, severe stomach upset, and in rare cases, a gas embolism, which can cause a blockage and result in a stroke. These complications can sometimes be fatal [6].
On the other hand, taking COPD medication as prescribed plays an important role in managing the condition successfully. People with COPD should also get vaccines to protect against the flu and pneumonia.
Anti-inflammatories, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids are common medications used to help reduce inflammation, swelling, and mucus in the airways, making it easier to breathe [7]. A nebulizer, a medical device that changes liquid medication into a mist, can be used to deliver COPD medication deep into the lungs for treatment [8].
However, it's crucial to discuss potential risks of any medication with a doctor before use. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that nebulized hydrogen peroxide does not prevent or treat COVID-19 and may cause damage to the lungs [9].
In summary, current clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed research do not support nebulized hydrogen peroxide as a safe or effective therapy for COPD or COVID-19 prevention/treatment. Always rely on evidence-based treatments recommended by health authorities and consult healthcare professionals for respiratory conditions.
References:
[1] COPD Foundation. (2021). COPD Treatment & Management. Retrieved from https://www.copdfoundation.org/for-patients/about-copd/treatment-and-management/
[2] National Institutes of Health. (2021). Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/
[3] Health Feedback. (2021). Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation for COVID-19: The Science Behind the Claim. Retrieved from https://healthfeedback.org/claimreview/hydrogen-peroxide-inhalation-for-covid-19-the-science-behind-the-claim/
[4] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Hydrogen Peroxide. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/informationondrugs/ucm083489.htm
[5] Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. (2021). Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease: 2021 Report. Retrieved from https://goldcopd.org/gold-2021-report/
[6] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Hydrogen Peroxide: Is it Safe for Oral Use? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/hydrogen-peroxide-oral/faq-20058116
[7] American Lung Association. (2021). COPD Medications. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/copd/learn-about-copd/treatment/medications
[8] American Lung Association. (2021). What is a Nebulizer? Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/copd/learn-about-copd/treatment/medications/what-is-a-nebulizer
[9] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2021). COVID-19 and Hydrogen Peroxide. Retrieved from https://www.aafa.org/covid-19-hydrogen-peroxide/
- household seekers might find online suggestions to use a nebulizer with hydrogen peroxide and saline water for various lung conditions, but these lack scientific validation and can be misleading.
- people with COPD or other chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma, should avoid nebulizing hydrogen peroxide, as it can cause harmful side effects such as tissue burns, stomach upset, and in rare cases, a life-threatening gas embolism.
- science has not supported nebulized hydrogen peroxide as a safe or effective treatment for chronic lung diseases like COPD or COVID-19 prevention/treatment.
- COPD treatment typically includes bronchodilators, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, and antibiotics, while antibiotics are not recommended for COVID-19 treatment.
- a nebulizer can be used to deliver COPD medication deep into the lungs for treatment, but it's essential to discuss potential risks of any medication with a doctor before use.
- other medical devices, such as inhalers, might be more suitable for managing respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, and health authorities recommend evidence-based treatments for these conditions.
- individuals with COPD and other chronic lung diseases should prioritize getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia in addition to taking their prescribed medications as directed.
