Wuhan Coronavirus: Propylene Glycol as Possible Therapy for Eradication of RTI and Prevention of Complications [vanity]

self | 04/02/2020 | self

[logi_cal869]

Wuhan Coronavirus: Propylene Glycol as Possible Therapy for Eradication of RTI and Prevention of Complications

It was quite some time ago when I came across a paper about study of the use of propylene glycol which I interpolated could be used for respiratory tract infections (RTI), including influenza. Reading about the severe cases for people who are immune compromised and/or with underlying health conditions dying from complications of Wuhan Coronavirus (the majority of deaths) prompted me to revisit the paper (for good reason).

I was dismissive of the research at the time due to its use to defend the vaping industry. But here’s the deal: I am able to source not a single paper where vaping therapy has ever been used in a clinical environment to treat patients with viral or secondary bacterial infections of the lungs. These patients frequently succumb to their illnesses due to failure of common pharmacological treatments. I submit that Propylene Glycol Therapy for RTI could save lives with the current epidemic of Wuhan Coronavirus (without regard to all the controversy, about which I am still writing, delayed by my own illness).

My hypothesis is not without scientific basis. Not unlike Dr. Orian Truss, Dr. William Crook and Dr. Sidney Valentine Haas, it seems as though the solution to a modern health problem lies not in future research or pharmacological intervention, but in the past and, ironically, research which has only been used by the vaping industry to defend their products.

This is the paper I discovered a number of years ago while researching my book and again when later researching how dangerous it was for my wife to switch to vaping from smoking cigarettes, THE BACTERICIDAL ACTION OF PROPYLENE GLYCOL VAPOR ON MICROORGANISMS SUSPENDED IN AIR. The paper was written by O. H. ROBERTSON, M.D., EDWARD BIGG, M.D., THEODORE T. PUCK, PH.D., AND BENJAMIN F. MILLER, M.D., published February 27, 1942, referencing work performed by Douglas, Hill & Smith in 1928.

The Summary spells it out succinctly:

“It has been found that propylene glycol vapor dispersed into the air of an enclosed space produces a marked and rapid bactericidal effect on microorganisms introduced into such an atmosphere in droplet form. Concentrations of 1 gm. of propylene glycol vapor in two to four million cc. of air produced immediate and complete sterilization of air into which pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci, H. influemae, and other microorganisms as well as influenza virus had been sprayed.””

They go on to cite,

“Tests on possible deleterious effects of breathing propylene glycol containing atmospheres over long periods of time are being carried out.”

I could find no reference to inhalation studies on human subjects that didn’t pertain directly to defending the business of vaping products. However, the cited study included exposing mice to influenza-laced air; the mice exposed to propylene glycol-treated air survived and the control group succumbed to the virus. Most vaping juice is comprised of 80/20 Glycerin / Propylene glycol; I submit that exposure to the vapor of such a combination may have a sterilizing effect upon pathogenic infection of the lungs and that a similar treatment in a clinical environment may save lives in the absence of pharmacological intervention.

Again, that was 78 years ago, so it should be no surprise that research continued over the ensuing decades (of sorts). This summary of publications spanning 1942-1965 originated from the U.S. Navy. Their citation for the research is the following:

“Research is concerned with fundamental investigations in the general areas of aerobiology and experimental pathology of infectious diseases as they apply to public health and to medical problems of the Navy.”

Clearly this application has scientific credibility. I won’t go down the conspiracy-theory bunny-hole by analyzing why this research was never given any serious medical credence, but when I awoke with a fever, cough, congestion, stuffy nose, headache and body aches suddenly on March 14th, my mind later went to that 1942 paper.

The first day was atypical: I took my temperature later in the morning and was surprised that I had a reading of 99.5 (I haven’t had a fever illness in 30 years; I simply do not get sick like this, ever). Out of an abundance of concern for my coworkers - I was worried that I was contagious for much of the week - I made an appointment with Urgent Care. By the time I was seen, the cruel irony was that my temperature was normal. The doctor passed off my symptoms as allergies or some other virus. I was incredibly-embarrassed. The doctor tested me for influenza A & B: Both were negative. He was adamant that if I was ill, it was likely just another flu bug (but my temperature was normal, so he was alluding to allergies. I knew better).

Within a couple of hours the chills began: The fever was again present (99.0). Throughout the first day of my illness the body aches increased, as did the headache behind my eyes, bowel function was abnormal and I just couldn’t seem to drink enough water to prompt urinary evacuation of toxins. Fever rose to 99.5, but I now know that my contact thermometer was inaccurate on my forehead. Based upon my chills, I believe that my fever was, in reality, about 101. The next day my temperature wavered between 101 and 101.5, measured at my armpits. Day 2 was the worst, with growing discomfort in my chest and severe body aches which eclipsed the worst post-workout day I’d ever had (including military Basic Training >30 years prior). In short, I was miserable and the ibuprofen I’d taken was wholly-ineffective at providing any relief. It was on Day 2 that I switched to my wife’s Acetaminophen (she can’t take Ibuprofen).

That was also the day I asked my wife to dig up her old vape pen as I felt the discomfort grow in my chest. She had some leftover vaping juice which turned out to contain propylene glycol (unfortunately with nicotine, but going to a Vape Shop was not an option) and I vaped a few times during the day. I felt better and the chest discomfort was significantly-reduced, but my fever continued the morning of & into Day 3, peaking at 102.8 measured at my arm pits just as I began my vaping regimen in the early afternoon. I increased vaping to hourly and then to every half hour, watching my fever drop every 30 minutes after realizing that I’d killed the vape pen’s battery. My fever finally broke about 8 a.m. on Day 4 (a couple of hours post-awakening, measured below 98 at my armpits, less than 24 hours after my 8-hour-long regimen before I retired to sleep). During those last hours of vaping I recorded my temperature measurement results, applied in a table & inserted below:

The table above depicts Day 3. Temperatures on Day 2 had spiked to nearly 103 and I had vaped a couple of times, but without any real effort (or want: The juice I had at the time tasted horrible). I mis-typed prior regarding Day 4: I awoke with a normal temperature, which is about 98 for me. In short, within 24 hours of vaping regularly as a "treatment regimen" my fever was completely broken.

I’ve since found a comprehensive list of symptoms of “COVID-19” (no thanks to U.S. CDC, which has a pathetic webpage on the disease still listing only 3 symptoms: Fever, Cough & Shortness of breath):

I experienced all of the symptoms except nausea & shortness of breath (I never get nauseous, save for food poisoning). Despite the discomfort in my chest, I never experienced any shortness of breath). Overall the illness was “just a flu” (about 24 hours were the worst, measured by misery factor) but the growing discomfort in my chest was ominous and unprecedented from prior flu. My wife developed all 12 of the symptoms, ironically getting ill within about 40 hours of the first appearance of my first symptoms. She experienced both nausea & diarrhea during her illness; in my own case, diarrhea and sputum production only manifested once the fever had broken. In her case as well, Day 2 was the worst, but she is a heavy vaper, an ex-smoker who used vaping to successfully-kick tobacco. She won’t admit it, but I believe that her vaping sped her recovery as well and prevented lung damage from what is becoming more difficult to argue was anything but COVID-19. Her fever also spiked at about 40 hours from onset of symptoms and rapidly dropped back to normal, coincidentally matching my own curve. Had I begun vaping Day 1, I believe that I may also have had a 48-hour illness (mine was a 72-hour illness from onset of symptoms morning of 3/14; hers was roughly 48-hours to normal temperature, with an unexplained, protracted nausea extending another 72 hours).

Author’s note: We are both in our early 50s. I have had no (known) exposure to any infected individuals and, at the time*, there were no confirmed cases in my County. I have not traveled and have neither any risk factors nor underlying health conditions. The only reason I suspected Wuhan Coronavirus is due to my hypothesis that - because of its nature, all things considered - there was no avoiding it. Rather than await complications which may or may not have manifested (i.e. lung damage) - especially in light of the negative tests for influenza A & B - I acted.

IMPORTANT NOTE: I took generic Ibuprofen on day 1 & 2 of my illness (which did NOTHING), later switching to Tylenol, finally-permitting some decent sleep the 2nd night (welcome relief). I’ve later learned that nurses & doctors on the front-lines have observed that patients with severe complications and no underlying health conditions consumed Ibuprofen. Their conclusion is that Ibuprofen makes the virus’ effects 5-10x worse on the body!

DO NOT CONSUME IBUPROFEN/ADVIL/ETC if you develop listed symptoms!

I procured a number of cold/flu over-the-counter (OTC) medications on Day 4 for my now-miserable wife: She found that Tylenol Severe Cold & Flu - a disgusting-tasting red liquid, according to her - afforded her the best relief from the misery. Regrettably, I did not have any cold or flu medications in the house (a glaring mistake since-rectified).

In spite of my brief misery, I credit the vaping for my now-acknowledged rather-mild illness, as it was patently-clear that whatever virus I was infected with was growing in my lungs: It was around 5 p.m. on Day 2 that I experienced a very sharp pain upon inhaling in my right side, just beneath my rib-cage; it was after I began vaping every 30 minutes out of concern that it was getting out of control that I experienced relief, both in discomfort and in fever reduction (a very notable correlation).

Morning of Day 4: No fever, slight hoarse cough with little-to-no phlegm, and appetite has returned. I feel great. However, 12 hours later and the expected coughing began to expel a thick, dirty brown phlegm from the infection. It was very strange that prior coughing was dry/hoarse with almost nothing to show for it (in contrast to all other RTIs in the past).

I will not know for weeks or longer whether or not I contracted Wuhan Coronavirus (testing in Oregon is rather haphazard, thanks to conditions at the state lab, not due to anything pertaining to CDC or the Trump administration!), but the illness was unlike any I’d had before. Granted, it’s been >30 years since I have been sick with such a bug. In comparison to a case of Norovirus I picked up last September (3 days of brutal diarrhea), this was a relative cake-walk.

I concede that I was lucky. I also concede that my experience with vaping as a method of interdiction to mitigate pulmonary complications is completely anecdotal (at this time).

However, I believe that health practitioners should have an open mind about treating those most at-risk of complications from Wuhan Coronavirus with Propylene Glycol Mist Therapy to eradicate the virus from the lungs before it does irreparable damage and, consequently for some, cause death. This gives the infected a fighting chance for their immune systems to do their jobs without the virus overtaking their ability to breathe. Those who are self-caring at home can - in my learned opinion, part & parcel of an unproven, working hypothesis at this time (sans my own experience) - practice Vaping Therapy to both shorten their illness and significantly-reduce the risk of complications which results in hospitalization, but take note: The tools must already be in your home (a trip to the store at that point was neither prudent nor responsible).

The tool of my recovery. Ignore the generic warning label: The 80/20 glycerin/propylene glycol juice is 0mg, i.e. "nicotine-free". Served its purpose 100% for a speedy recovery.

This cannot and IS NOT being promoted as a “cure”: It is a treatment to prevent complications.

In a hospital ward for some patients it could prove to be their last, best hope. Eventually, I theorize that PG Mist Therapy could be the preferred intervention for all Wuhan Coronavirus patients admitted with complications. Most-pertinently, following recovery the patient has acquired immunity to this novel virus. In my case - assuming that my illness was COVID-19 caused by Wuhan Coronavirus (unconfirmed) - I believe that the illness term was shortened significantly and discomfort reduced to merely coping with a fever.

A "mist tent" could be utilized for clinical Propylene Glycol therapy.

Rather than post something in a panicked environment where there is little real urgency in the U.S., I have sought out 2 Italian doctors to forward my thoughts on this hypothesis both based upon prior research and my own personal experience. I reached out to a foreign doctor primarily due to regulatory hurdles in the U.S., lack of emergency in this country (as yet) and atypical resistance to any treatment not approved by the American Medical Association.

My efforts were for naught. I have now (a/o 3/26) reached out to 2 New York doctors following the latest edit of this post; we shall see what a new month will bring (I am skeptical. Update: All for naught, it seems, as of 3/28). I have also reached out to the Administrator at the Veteran’s home in Lebanon, Oregon’s local hot-spot for the virus; we shall see, but I am beyond skeptical: I am becoming jaded.

Regardless, I maintain hope that my hypothesis proves beneficial to all with this new threat to the aged and those with severely-impaired health.

However, I suspect the vaccine manufacturers may not take too kindly to my approach.

In short, I believe that I was somehow exposed to whomever brought it to Lane County, developed the atypical illness the morning of March 14th and - before symptoms had progressed to prompt respiratory distress - e.g. shortness of breath - fully-reversed my fever within 24 hours of propylene glycol intervention.

That should be a quotable statement worth its weight in gold, assuming that my illness was COVID-19 caused by Wuhan Coronavirus (no testing is being performed in Oregon on non-critical needs, as-yet).

I remain steadfast in my belief (hypothesis) that Propylene Glycol Mist Therapy - however it is applied, be it in a clinical setting or home care as I performed with a vaping pen - can simultaneously speed recovery (and consequent immunity), reduce/eliminate complications and, most importantly, save lives.

In this environment - global pandemic [sic] - I submit that it’s the unknown tool in the toolbox for health practitioners and home-care patients alike, should my hypothesis be shown to have any merit whatsoever.

Most-pertinently, after 13 days since onset of my illness, no one else has signs of illness (other than my wife), including anyone at my place of employment where I was clearly contagious for anywhere between 2-20 days since I was exposed to this virus. This includes my wife’s workplace.

OUR EXPERIENCE IS DEMONSTRATIVE THAT spread of this virus is EASILY-CONTAINED by practicing personal responsibility and basic hygiene WITHOUT DRACONIAN/ILLEGAL POPULATION-CONTROL MEASURES AS-IMPLEMENTED BY MANY (overwhelmingly democrat-led) STATES.

Important note: Due to the nature of our work (IT-related), we both engage a heightened level of hygiene prevention without regard to this virus. Assuming that someday I can "prove" that we had the virus, our experience in preventing its spread and the ease with which I contracted it pose a conundrum for the experts which seek to control the spread of an illness caused by an insidious virus which is at least as-virulent as the common cold and a risk of death which is only statistically-viable for those with compromised immune systems and preexisting health conditions (comorbidity factors).

I remain convinced that our illness was caused by Wuhan Coronavirus, aka COVID-19, and that my self-treatment prevented complications by shortening the term of illness.

Update 3/18: *Within 24 hours of my fever breaking I received word that the first case of COVID-19 had been confirmed in Lane County, Oregon (my location). Although the doctor at Urgent Care didn’t want to admit it, my early symptoms were a spot-on match, though it could have been any other flu as well (besides A & B influenza). It was the stubborn manner in which this illness resided in my lungs which made me suspect that I was somehow exposed, but my theory was moot if there were no confirmed cases locally for over a week. How ironic that the first confirmed case was less than 24 hours after my fever broke.

Update 3/19: It is incumbent of me to inform the reader that although I experienced immediate results from vaping, progressive improvement did not manifest until I instilled a regimen of vaping every 30 minutes for 3-5 full inhales of vapor. Following that regimen my fever was gone in 8 hours. Although admittedly-anecdotal (lacking any laboratory tests whatsoever), I believe that my experience cannot be dismissed, particularly in this health emergency.

Full-disclosure: Because I was not prepared to become ill - an egregious error on my part, but knowledgeable of what was available in my household - the vaping juice I used while ill contained nicotine. As a former smoker, I knew what would result and assuredly it came to pass: Nicotine withdrawals on 3/18. While I was in town on 3/17 after my fever broke that morning - getting OTC medicine for my then-sick wife - I picked up the nicotine-free vaping juice pictured prior. I continued vaping irregularly with the Mint-flavored nicotine-free vape juice through 3/19 to both relieve the discomfort of coughing and ensure that my lungs were virus-free (a relapse was untenable, but possible based upon my research of other cases).

I put away the vaping pen 3/20 and shared half of my juice with a friend which he now has in his medicine cabinet with a new vape pen, hopefully not to be used, but likely to be needed considering the virulence of this bug. I remain convinced that I may have experienced severe complications had I not vaped, including lesions on my lungs and a more-lengthy illness. My state of health is unlikely to have resulted in the type of complications requiring hospitalization, but I am satisfied that the physical cause/effect of my vaping places my experience beyond being merely psychosomatic.

Update 3/26: I now recognize the full breadth of the dozen or so symptoms, having amended this Note and convinced that I contracted Wuhan Coronavirus Disease. Concurrent to recent reports of possible renal effects, it has taken nearly 2 full weeks for urinary function to return to (near) normal. I experienced reduced urinary output beginning on day 2 of my illness, a factor which supports my conclusion that this was not influenza C (an implied supposition by the doctor), but Wuhan Coronavirus (impaired kidney function - as well as renal failure - has been reported among those so-infected in some cases). Normally during an illness I’m urinating nearly every hour; in spite of my vastly-increased water intake, I was only urinating every 6-8 hours. To state that I was concerned is an understatement.

In short, it was clearly not the fever which was causing me to urinate only once/day during my illness (I was drinking about 3 liters of water/day for 5 days from onset of illness). In addition, for nearly 8 days after my fever broke I continued to experience some lightheadedness which I cannot ascribe to lung function (it was more like low blood pressure). When I had my BP taken at Urgent Care the first day of fever the nurse said it was high, but I cannot recall the reading. I will post my blood pressure at the earliest opportunity and amend here: _______

My kidney function has, for the most part, returned to normal as of day 10 post-illness.

Update 3/27: Loose stool continues. Diarrhea did not manifest until after my fever had broken and continued somewhat less as diarrhea but more loose stool for about 10 days with an excess of non-atypical flatulence. Bowel function is still not normal, but after a week of good sleep (I slept like crap during the 72 hour illness) my strength is normal. My lungs - thankfully - have fully-cleared despite a bout of post-nasal drip during the first week after the fever broke (pollen count here was >400 until a rainy front moved through Oregon). I have no shortness of breath and no impaired lung function. After a week of good sleep (I slept like crap during the 72 hour illness) my strength is normal and I feel great.

All things considered, I cannot complain about the fact that my bowel function is still not normal. The loose stool is a curiosity, but arbitrary medical testing is not in my budget (this too will pass, perhaps). It is reasonably & prudent to suspect that the virus may reside in my small intestine, echoing concerns outlined in a Chinese paper published early on in the Wuhan outbreak which posited spread of the virus from “virus-laden aerosol plume” similar to the 2003 SARS outbreak at Amoy Gardens in Hong Kong. 5 years prior to this illness, I had eradicated a parasitic infection of my small intestines (Candida) and harbor a healthy microbiome. If I engage another eradication regimen (I am averse: It’s not pleasant and likely ineffective against a viral parasitic infection of the intestines), I will amend with an update. For now, basic hygiene is the rule, but I remain concerned that my bowels may harbor active virus and, consequently, engage a simple rule in conjunction with basic hygiene concurrent with my healthy state of “regularity”: Bowel movements at home only.

Update 3/29: I am engaging Vitamin C mega-dose regimen in an attempt to normalize bowel function, beginning bedtime 3/28. I will amend later...

[logi_cal869]

I make this post clearly citing the anecdotal nature. I remain convinced that I was - and may still be - infected with SARS-CoV-2 and that I experienced dramatic cause/effect from my self-treatment (my description) utilizing "vaping therapy". I have put away the vaping pen over a week ago and, from where I sit, am fully-recovered with no side effects (save for improving bowel issues).

I am not seeking affirmation or validation of my hypothesis with this post; I merely seek to demonstrate one aspect which is not being discussed ANYWHERE and for which I have convinced a SINGLE PERSON to stow the necessary supplies in their medicine cabinet.

I view that as tragic, but not a failure on my part. I hope my expierience can help someone here at FR.

[Red Badger]

NOTE:

Propylene Glycol is NOT THE SAME AS Ethylene Glycol.........................

[logi_cal869]

Thanks for that clarification.

Disclaimer: NOT responsible for expression of repressed moron genes in the face of hysterical bias and emotional panic.

[frogjerk]

Propylene Glycol - Beer will once again save the world.

[PGR88]

Its interesting how research into the use of propylene glycol as an air sanitizer was very widespread in the 1930s and 40s, and then somehow just stopped after that.

[Red Badger]

I just want to prevent another ‘Fish Tank Cleaner’ episode.............

Ethylene Glycol is the main ingredient of ANTIFREEZE and will kill you...........................

[conservativepoet]

Wonder why folks haven’t tried Grapefruit seed extract? It’s a powerful antiviral, etc entity.

[Mr. Rabbit]

Countdown until some ‘tard drinks a bunch of antifreeze. Yeah, propylene glycol != ethylene glycol, but .. ‘tards.

Someone’s gonna have a nightcap with Uncle Chuck. I guarantee it.

[Mr. Rabbit]

Countdown until some ‘tard drinks a bunch of antifreeze. Yeah, propylene glycol != ethylene glycol, but .. ‘tards.

Someone’s gonna have a nightcap with Uncle Chuck. I guarantee it.

[ConservativeMind]

Excellent work!

I would like to understand why ibuprofen causes issues.

Your lung pain seems to be in roughly the same spot the “broken glass” effect appears on serious Wuhan cases.

The research you quote is really good. I recall some similar research in the past year and told my wife that we might be getting a vaping setup with propylene glycol to help at home with future flues.

Really good writeup! This is solid, first-hand experience.

[logi_cal869]

Agreed. I was rather taken aback that research seemingly “just stopped” and I couldn’t make any further citation of continuing research. The vaping companies make citation of the noted paper in defense of their products, but no public health application beyond the laboratory has ever been utilized (from what I was able to ascertain).

[BDParrish]

Thanks for the info.
Would you feel free to hypothesize/detail a mechanism by which the lung disinfection in effected?
Pardon my ignorance. Maybe I have too many ideas about RTI’s.
So glad you are better!
BrianD

[logi_cal869]

I do NOT go into details on the ingredients of vaping juice beyond my citations.

Any moron with bipedal mobility (or assisted) and electrical activity between the ears - coupled with motor skills which include speech - can acquire a safe product which does NOT contain ethylene glycol at any vaping retail store.

There are juices which contain 80/20 & 70/30 blends of Glycerin/Propylene Glycol; the one I borrowed from my wife - as well as the one I purchased later - was of the 80/20 blend and proved highly-effective in the regimen I outline in the post.

[BDParrish]

IOW I can imagine the disinfectant effect on virions suspended in air, but how on an infection that has taken hold?

[hope_dies_last]

Bookmarking this.

[ConservativeMind]

This might be what I was remembering:

Vaping may lead to fewer respiratory infections for ex-smokers:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160819084627.htm

[logi_cal869]

Read the linked 1942 paper; it answers your questions in detail. At the time I discovered the paper, I was researching (i.e. “validating”) my wife’s conclusions that vaping was a no-risk alternative to her prior tobacco habit.

At that time the research was NOT being used by the vaping industry in its defense and I surmised that propylene glycol was being used “somewhere/somehow” for public health matters, but life and my book got in the way. I did not follow up until Wuhan Coronavirus started breaking out of China and more details became public as to the insidious nature of its complications, particularly in the lungs. I was taken aback at what appears to be full abandonment of research on propylene glycol beyond its use in the laboratory for sterilization and virus inactivation.

THERE IS NO PHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTION which can disinfect the lungs. My hypothesis was merely an office joke in the weeks prior to our illness; time will tell if it was merely coincidental or otherwise.

[Bonemaker]

Just take Miralax and kill two birds with one stone!

Yeah, and watch for some democrat to drink anti freaze, croak and then his wife blames Trump...like the fish tank fool.

[RideForever]

The first thing I thought about was the Navy sub and aircraft carrier with COVID19 aboard.

Hopefully this will reach the Navy in time to secure our Navy assets.

[null and void]

Hmmmm. Vaping?

Bring Out Your Dead

Post to me or FReep mail to be on/off the Bring Out Your Dead ping list.

The purpose of the “Bring Out Your Dead” ping list (formerly the “Ebola” ping list) is very early warning of emerging pandemics, as such it has a high false positive rate.

The false positive rate was 100%.

At some point we may well have a high mortality pandemic, and likely as not the “Bring Out Your Dead” threads will miss the beginning entirely.

*sigh* Such is life, and death...

If a quarantine saves just one child's or one old fart’s life, it's worth it.