No, empty nebuliser is no substitute for oxygen cylinder as this doctor claimed in viral video

Video shows a man claiming to be a doctor, dressed in scrubs with Sarvodaya Hospital logo, explaining how empty nebuliser can give oxygen. Hospital says this is not true.

Screengrab of video of a man claiming to be a doctor showing how to use nebuliser, claims it gives oxygen supply when running empty | Twitter

New Delhi: In a video that has gone viral over the past few days, a man calling himself Dr Alok, wearing scrubs with the logo of Sarvodaya Hospital, shows viewers “a trick” that he claims will be useful for people suffering from low levels of oxygen and are “running after oxygen cylinders”.

In the video, he shows how one can assemble a nebuliser, and adds, “there is no need to add any medicine”.

“Don’t endanger yourself by running after oxygen cylinders. All you need to do is switch the nebuliser on and you will draw oxygen from it,” the man says in the video.

Since it surfaced this week, the video has been extensively shared on Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp, as people share and seek information on oxygen supply while the country grapples with a shortage due to the second Covid wave.

However, Sarvodaya Hospital Friday said the video is misleading, unscientific and clarified that it does not endorse the information given by ‘Dr Alok’.

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@AhmCares https://t.co/JzSR2xYoO9

— Shah ishan Bhupendra (@ishan_bhupendra) April 23, 2021

‘Not backed by evidence’

In its clarification, the hospital said, “The video has not been backed by any evidence or scientific study, does not reflect any medical advice, and is in no way endorsed by Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.”

It went on to state: “Please do not follow any such practice without consulting your medical practitioner. It could lead to worsening of the disease.”

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Always consult a medical practitioner before following any #medication practice, especially for #treatment of severe conditions. Do not fall prey to any information without an authorized source.#awareness #SarvodayaHealthcare #SHRC pic.twitter.com/itTVLfYqkd

— Sarvodaya Healthcare (@Sarvodaya_Care) April 23, 2021

Nebulisers are devices that turn medicine into fine mist that is then breathed in through a mask.

“Each time a nebulizer is used, liquid medicine needs to be added to the machine. It is important that for the duration of use, breathing is only done through the mouth,” according to a medical news website.

In collaboration with SM Hoaxslayer

(Edited by Manasa Mohan)