Is DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) helpful for breathing and lung conditions?

DMSO is Not Recommended for Breathing and Lung Conditions

DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) is not recommended for treating breathing and lung conditions as there is insufficient evidence supporting its efficacy and safety for respiratory disorders.

Evidence Assessment

The American Thoracic Society guidelines specifically state that numerous pharmacological agents have been found to be ineffective or lack sufficient data to recommend their use for respiratory symptoms 1. While DMSO is not specifically mentioned in this list, there is no positive evidence supporting its use for respiratory conditions in any of the major respiratory medicine guidelines.

Known Uses of DMSO

DMSO has limited FDA-approved medical applications:

• Treatment of interstitial cystitis 2, 3
• Use as a preservative for organ transplantation 3
• Management of chemotherapy extravasation (topical application) 1

Potential Mechanisms and Research

While DMSO has several properties that might theoretically benefit lung conditions:

• Anti-inflammatory properties 2, 4
• Free-radical scavenging properties 3
• Membrane penetration capabilities 5

One animal study showed that DMSO attenuated acute lung injury in rats following hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress 4. However, this preliminary finding has not been translated to human clinical trials for respiratory conditions.

Safety Concerns

DMSO administration is associated with several adverse effects:

• Gastrointestinal and skin reactions are the most commonly reported adverse reactions 6
• Dose-dependent relationship with adverse reactions 6
• Potential for drug interactions (neurotoxic interactions with sulindac have been reported) 2
• Characteristic garlic-like breath odor and taste after administration 5

Recommended Approaches for Respiratory Symptoms

For management of breathing difficulties and lung conditions, the following evidence-based approaches are recommended:

1. Optimize treatment of underlying conditions 1, 7:

   • For asthma/COPD: Optimize inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids
   • For heart failure: Optimize diuretics and afterload reduction

2. Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic lung diseases 1:

   • Exercise training is the main component responsible for improvements
   • Can reduce exertional dyspnea and improve exercise tolerance

3. Oxygen therapy for hypoxemic patients 1, 7:

   • Particularly beneficial for patients with advanced heart or lung disease who are hypoxemic at rest or with minimal activity

4. Opioids for refractory dyspnea 1, 7:

   • Consider for palliation of unrelieved dyspnea in patients with advanced cardiopulmonary disease
   • Start with low doses (2.5-5 mg orally every 4 hours for opioid-naïve patients)

5. Non-pharmacological approaches 1, 7:

   • Positioning
   • Cooling the face
   • Breathing techniques
   • Pursed-lip breathing (may relieve dyspnea in advanced COPD)
   • Inspiratory muscle training in selected patients

Conclusion

Based on the available evidence, DMSO should not be used for breathing and lung conditions. Instead, patients should be directed toward evidence-based treatments appropriate for their specific respiratory condition. The lack of clinical trials supporting DMSO's efficacy for respiratory symptoms, combined with its potential for adverse effects, makes it an inappropriate choice for treating breathing difficulties.