Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Shows Promise for COVID-19 Lung Recovery
Hydrogen-Oxygen Inhalation for Treatment of COVID-19
Research hubs: Respiratory System

- Evidence type
- Review or commentary
- Authors
- Kecheng Xu
- Journal
- World Scientific
- Year
- 2020
- Study Type
- clinical
- Delivery
- inhalation
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 5 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Researchers found that breathing in a mix of hydrogen and oxygen gas might help COVID-19 patients by reducing lung damage and helping them breathe better, and it seems really safe to use.
Summary
This clinical study examined hydrogen-oxygen inhalation therapy as a treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia. Researchers found that molecular hydrogen, described as a very safe 'physiological gas,' demonstrated potential to reduce lung damage caused by COVID-19 virus, improve breathing difficulties (dyspnea), and promote overall disease recovery. The therapy works through hydrogen's healing biological properties and antioxidant effects. The study suggests this novel treatment approach could serve as either an adjunctive therapy alongside standard care or as an alternative treatment option for COVID-19 pneumonia patients, particularly given its favorable safety profile and promising therapeutic benefits.
Abstract (excerpt)
COVID-19 pneumonia is ravaging the world. Faced with the lack of specialized treatment, a novel form of hydrogen-oxygen inhalation therapy has been successfully developed. Molecular hydrogen, a very safe 'physiological gas', has proven to be able to reduce lung damage caused by viruses including…