It’s unhappy that I even have to say this, however right here goes: don’t put hydrogen peroxide in your nebulizer! Any accountable respiratory therapist, nurse, or physician will agree—there’s completely nothing good that may come from nebulizing it.
What’s Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a flexible and inexpensive disinfectant, a staple in houses and hospitals alike. Its effervescent motion kills micro organism, viruses, and fungi, making it excellent for cleansing wounds, sanitizing surfaces, whitening laundry, and tackling cussed mildew. Its no-rinse, residue-free nature makes it a go-to for secure and efficient cleansing.
For years, it was even utilized in respiratory care to wash interior cannulas in sufferers with tracheostomies. This was earlier than disposable cannulas turned extensively obtainable. Again then, we eliminated the interior cannula, cleaned it with mini pipe cleaners and gauze, and rinsed it in a combination of water and hydrogen peroxide. Lastly, we rinsed it totally in pure water to take away any residue.
What We Know Now
We did this for years—till analysis made it clear that hydrogen peroxide can destroy lung tissue.
Whereas it’s a potent disinfectant, inhaling it might trigger important injury. Reactive oxygen species in hydrogen peroxide result in oxidative stress, which inflames and irritates the fragile alveoli within the lungs. Extended or concentrated publicity may cause severe respiratory problems, making its use strictly exterior.
Consequently, we stopped utilizing it for cleansing interior cannulas. Actually, I just lately accomplished a compulsory tracheostomy care class, and one of many key classes was in regards to the harms hydrogen peroxide can do to the lungs. One of many take a look at questions on the finish requested: “Hydrogen peroxide is a secure and efficient solution to clear an interior cannula.”
Years in the past, I may need answered “True.” However immediately, with up to date data, the right reply is an emphatic False.
What the Web Says
Sadly, misinformation abounds on-line. As somebody who moderates health-focused Fb pages, I’ve seen numerous posts claiming that hydrogen peroxide will be nebulized. Folks even hyperlink to doubtful “research” touting it as an efficient therapy for illnesses like COVID-19—and even as a preventative measure.
Let me be clear: there isn’t a credible proof to assist these claims. Quite the opposite, nebulizing hydrogen peroxide poses important dangers to your lung well being.
The Backside Line
Hydrogen peroxide has its makes use of, however inhalation shouldn’t be considered one of them. Belief medical professionals, not random web recommendation. And please, for the sake of your lungs, hold hydrogen peroxide out of your nebulizer.