Using a nebuliser in place of an oxygen cylinder will not increase oxygen levels in the body.

By Sahil Bali

India is witnessing the most devastating Covid-19 wave and hospitals are facing massive shortage of medical oxygen. Amidst this, a video is being shared on WhatsApp showing a doctor demonstrating and claiming that a nebulizer machine can be used as an oxygen cylinder. We have found that the video was also shared on Facebook and Twitter.

In the video, the man identified himself as Dr. Alok Sethi from Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad. He said that “he feels disheartened seeing people running after oxygen cylinders” and instead suggests an alternative to use a nebulizer machine without any medicines – “a trick to get oxygen supply”. Further, he demonstrates how to use a nebulizer machine - device that turns the medicine into a fine mist that is breathed in. Nebulizers are used to treat a variety of lung conditions, such as wheezing and chest tightness.

Sarvodaya Hospital took to Twitter and Facebook to distance itself from the video and has given out a statement on their official Twitter handle refuting the claim, ‘The video has not been backed by any evidence or scientific study, does not reflect any medical advice, & is in no way endorsed by Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad’

The hospital further said, "do not fall prey to any information without any authorized source."

The claim that nebuliser can be used as an alternative to oxygen cylinders is completely false. There are no scientific studies on usage of nebulisers as substitute for oxygen concentrators or oxygen cylinders.