Samantha Ruth Prabhu clarifies her post on the nebulizer after backlash: “A certain gentleman attacked my post…”

Samantha Ruth Prabhu has issued a clarification after doctors criticised her for promoting dangerous medical practices. She recommended hydrogen peroxide nebulisation to treat viral infections and shared a picture of herself undergoing the treatment.

Her post caught the attention of Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, also known as “The Liver Doc.” He claimed that the technique had negative health effects and strongly criticized the actress, calling her “health and science illiterate.” (Also read: “Health and scientifically illiterate”: Samantha Ruth Prabhu is sharply criticized by “Liver Doc” for her contribution to hydrogen peroxide nebulization)

Samantha’s clarification

“Over the last few years I have had to take many different medications. I have tried everything that was strongly recommended to me, on the advice of highly qualified professionals and after doing as much research on my own as a layperson like me can.

“Many of these treatments were also very, very expensive. I always had to think how lucky I am that I can afford them, and of all those who can’t. And for a long time, conventional treatments didn’t help me. It’s quite possible that it was just me, and I’m sure they will work very well for others.

“These two factors led me to research alternative therapies and treatments. And after some trial and error, I found treatments that worked wonderfully for me. Treatments that also cost a fraction of what I was spending on conventional health care.”

About the “attack” by Liver Doc

She added, “I am not naive enough to strongly advocate any treatment. I have suggested it only with good intentions, based on all that I have experienced and learnt over the past few years. Particularly that treatments can be very financially burdensome and many may not be able to afford them. Ultimately, we all depend on trained doctors to guide us. This treatment was suggested to me by a highly qualified doctor who is an MD and has been with DRDO for the last 25 years. After all his training in conventional medicine, he decided to advocate an alternative therapy.

“A certain gentleman attacked my post and intentions in some pretty harsh words. Said gentleman is also a doctor. I have no doubt that he knows more than I do. And I’m pretty sure his intentions were noble. It would have been kind and compassionate of him not to have been so provocative with his words. Especially the part where he suggests throwing me in jail. Whatever. I guess that’s part of being a celebrity. I posted as someone in need of medical treatment, not as a celebrity. And I’m certainly not making any money from the post or endorsing anyone. I was simply suggesting treatment as an option, after going through it myself, for others who may be looking for alternatives because conventional medicine isn’t working for them. Especially cheaper alternatives.”

About their medical ideas

Samantha said it would have been better if The Liver Doc had discussed the same thing with her doctor instead of attacking her. “We can’t just give up when medications don’t work. I certainly wasn’t ready to give up… Getting back to the topic of the doctor in question, it would have been nice if he had politely invited my doctor, who I tagged in my post, instead of attacking me. I would have liked to have learned something from this debate and discussion between two highly qualified professionals.

“And as far as sharing information about treatments that helped me, I will be more cautious as I only want to help others. I don’t want to harm anyone. So many well-meaning people have suggested Ayurveda, homeopathy, acupuncture, Tibetan medicine, pranic healing, etc. to me. I listened to them all. I just did something similar. I shared something that worked for me as an option. And I know that many of us who are struggling with health issues need that help, especially given the overwhelming feeling when there are qualified people for every option who are so sure of their opposing opinion. Both sides, for and against every treatment, are so sure and convincing. It’s difficult to navigate this and find good help,” she added.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Rituja Ugalmugle, an internist at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, said, “Nebulization with both hydrogen peroxide and distilled water carries potential risks. Hydrogen peroxide is generally not recommended for nebulization as it can cause oxidative stress, mucous membrane irritation and other severe respiratory problems. While distilled water is safer than hydrogen peroxide, it can still pose risks if used improperly. Normal saline remains the preferred choice for nebulization due to its safety profile and compatibility with the body’s electrolyte balance.”