What is Glutathione?
Glutathione (GSH) is a powerful intracellular antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, supports detoxification pathways in the liver, and protects tissues from oxidative damage. It also recycles other antioxidants, helping maintain overall redox balance.
What is Inhaled Glutathione?
Glutathione is present throughout the lower respiratory tract and is considered a first‑line antioxidant defense. Oxidative stress occurs when oxidants (reactive oxygen species) outweigh available antioxidants.
Common oxidant sources include cigarette smoke, pesticides and herbicides (e.g., organophosphates), industrial chemicals (e.g., organochlorines), excessive alcohol, air pollution and diesel/gasoline soot, inhalable quartz and metal powders, and certain mineral fibers.
Why inhaled? Oral glutathione does not reliably raise plasma or airway lining levels. Some studies report that even IV GSH may not increase epithelial lining fluid. Inhaled GSH delivers directly to the lungs and is often considered the preferred route for pulmonary effects.
Who might consider inhaled glutathione?
Research‑supported contexts
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Chronic otitis media with effusion
- HIV‑positive individuals
- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Chronic rhinitis
- Chronic smoking* and emphysema*
*Both have been linked with lower glutathione levels in the epithelial lining fluid; inhaled glutathione may offer supportive benefit.
Who is not a candidate?
- Individuals with sulfite sensitivity (inhaled forms contain a sulfite base)
- Patients with asthma (risk of bronchoconstriction)
We perform a simple urine sulfite screening before treatment. If negative, therapy may proceed.
Possible side effects
- Transient cough during or after nebulization
- Characteristic sulfurous odour/taste
How treatment is given
In‑clinic nebulized glutathione is delivered via nebulizer and mask using a prepared solution. After sulfite screening, sessions typically last 15–30 minutes. Frequency ranges from once weekly to several times per week depending on symptom profile and goals.
New patients require an initial consultation. Please inform us of any history of asthma, sulfite reactions, or current respiratory infections.
Research & References
- Villegas L, Stidham T, Nozik‑Grayck E. Oxidative Stress and Therapeutic Development in Lung Diseases. J Pulm Respir Med. 2014;4(4):194. doi:10.4172/2161-105X.1000194
- Valavanidis A, et al. Pulmonary Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Cancer: Respirable Particulate Matter, Fibrous Dusts and Ozone as Major Causes of Lung Carcinogenesis through ROS Mechanisms. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013;10(9):3886‑3907.
- Prousky J. The treatment of pulmonary diseases and respiratory‑related conditions with inhaled (nebulized or aerosolized) glutathione. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008;5(1):27–35. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem040
References are provided for educational context. Individual responses vary; therapy is planned and monitored by your clinician for safety and suitability.