Loading...Q. I went to the hospital for an unrelated problem that prompted an X-ray and CT scan. The doctors found five nodules in my lungs.
I met with a pulmonologist to discuss this. After I mentioned that I put Vicks in my nostrils every night, as I have for 10 years, and he looked at my CT scan, he diagnosed me with lipoid pneumonia.
I am 41 and in very good health, so this was quite a surprise. I thought it was important to share.
A. Several years ago we started warning readers not to put Vicks VapoRub into their nostrils. A pulmonologist alerted us to the possibility that one of the ingredients in Vicks, petrolatum, could get into the lungs and cause chronic inflammation.
We got quite a few indignant responses from people who said they had been doing this for years. Here is just one example: “I read your warning not to put Vicks VapoRub in your nose. That’s stupid. I’ve been stuffing my nose with Vicks for years and I have never once come down with pneumonia. You can tell that to your know-it-all doctor. You shouldn’t buy into everything that doctors tell you.”
Your experience demonstrates that the pulmonologist’s warning was on target. Thank you for letting us know.
Lori J
My 87 year-old Mmm has many health issues, and we are finding that her use of Vicks Vapor Rub for 60 years is the cause for so many of them. She has put Vicks inside her nose & in her ears, under her eyes, on her throat and cheeks DAILY for 60 or more years!
Her “problem list” of medical issues start with lung issues, kidney disease issues, breathing issues, eye issues, hearing issues, along with anemia disease . The camphor is so toxic that it can affect all parts of the body. The manufacturer is aware of the dangers of the product, and they changed their labels on the jars to say “for EXTERNAL use only.” Many people do not realize this.
I am also finding that many physicians are not aware of the damage this product can cause. It’s time to educate those that are using this product NOT to use it internally. I read a comment that someone said “that’s stupid” to think Vicks could cause lung issues & other health issues by putting it in the nose. It is “NOT” stupid to me. It is a fact. The only reason I am sharing this information is that I hope it will help others. My mom didn’t realize that her constant use of Vicks for so many years could be so damaging or of course she would not have continued to use. She discontinued use 6 months ago, and she is dealing with all the medical problems. I recommend to take the time to research this to find out all the facts!
D
I’ve been using Vaporub every night since I was a teenager on my lips and right under my nose. During the winter it’s the only thing that keeps my hands from having severe cracking and bleeding. I have had zero problems with it, and I’m 43.
Lisa
Sc
I have been using the Vic’s inhaler and the rub in my nose . It calms me and I is the inhaler at least 50-60 times a day . Has anyone heard anything negative related to the inhaler?
June
Florida
Have been diagnosed with lesions on my lungs and never picked up a cigarette. Have been using Vicks in my nose, on my throat, back, and chest for 60 yrs. Pulmonary sent me for an allergy test and found that I have an allergy to eucalyptus and petroleum jelly. Stopped using Vicks and any similar product. I love Vicks but my health is more important. Use these products at your own risk. ?
Dianne M. F
BC
I never use vapor rub butI was going to use it on my chest and on the outside of my nose becuse there is heavy smoke from fires would that help wit the breathing.
Amanda
calhoun ga
I have been using vicks for sore muscles used it on my upper back and lower back also slept with a fan blowing on me now my lungs hurts and my rib cage hurts could this be pneumonia from the vicks or what?
Jim
Dallas
My wife at 68 years old was diagnosed with lung cancer, surgery removed one lope and after chemo, she is cancer free (thank God) she has never smoked and since 18 years old was not around anyone who smoked (her father). She did not work around hazardous material.
So, I was looking for a “cause”. While researching, I came across this article re Vicks VapoRub. My wife regularly uses a small quantity to help her breath.
Could this be the “cause” I am looking for? I know I am reaching.
RiverFrog
Antwerp
The reason why I started reading this blog is because I never use Vicks. Yesterday, I put it around my nostrils and on my chest. I did put a lot around the nostril area, went to sleep and woke up with my nose bleeding. When I couched it contained small quantities of blood.
I must say that I smoke a lot but never had this happening till I started using Vicks one time.
I’m not saying it’s the fault of Vicks because I smoke a lot but it its pretty weird it happens at the exact time I use vicks.
Sharon
Red Bluff,ca. U.S.
It’s like a lot of folks who smoke those disgusting menthol cigarettes-those can make your lungs bleed. You are a smoker,so when you use the vicks-it sounds like you’re having the same reaction as someone who smokes non-filtered menthol cigarettes.
I think smokers need to be careful about how often and how much of the menthol and eucalyptus rubs they use around or in their nose. Oh-by the way, I used to put it in my nose. I ended up with pneumonia. Please be careful with this stuff!
Yomar
Augusta, GA
This discussion is very interesting but not surprising, either. I reckon anything you inhale or consume in large enough quantities will be damaging long-term, if that’s not the intended use. My family has used VapoRub for generations and we’ve always avoided potential ingestion.
I’ve always figured that VapoRub and any of those menthol-based were most a placebo. They’re great for relief, which explains why they’re so popular and so many options in the market. I’d be careful of being overly concerned or doom-and-gloom about the product, however.
Just about anything with medicinal purposes has some negative side. In fact, I’ve used it near my nostrils and it’s been fine. Of course, to be safe, keep away from your nose. Neck, chest, feet… Those are safe. Avoid open sores too. Better safe than sorry but don’t worry: you won’t die using VapoRub. Ha! :)
Fel aka Vicky
Guam
Hi! My name if Vicky and I’m a Vick’s addict. I know this because every night if I can’t find my little blue bottle I would turn everything upside down. I tell myself that I need it to help me breathe and go to sleep. My family thinks I’m crazy but I just can’t seem to stop. So is stuffing Vicks up your nose safe? At least I’m not the only one that does this. I’ll blame it on my mother because whenever we were sick or injured she would say “put Vicks” so eventually I did more than use it for the common cold. I’m worried now because sometimes I get heartburn and wonder if it’s because I use too much Vicks.
Peggy
Texas
I will be 70 years old in May and I have done the very same thing since I was 15 and lived in New Mexico. My nose is so dry and it helps me sleep just like you said. I don’t think doctors know for sure …. so, I’ll trust the old wives tale that has yourub it in your chest (and under your nose). BTW…it clears up nail fungus, too!
Kelly
Mid Glamorgan
I have been putting Vicks in my nose for the last 5 years due to sinus trouble. This last week I have been to A&E a few times through nausea and chest pains. Really worries that I have caused permanent damage. Hospital preformed X-ray and all was clear but still very concerned
Dorothy
LaGrande, Or
Can putting vicks in your nostrils cause nosebleeds?
Laura
western New York
What about Sudafed as an alternative? I usually like to avoid medication, but that was leaving me running to the ER for steroids almost every time I had a cold because I couldn’t handle the swelling in my throat. So I (reluctantly) tried taking Sudafed before bed during a cold and these last few colds have passed uneventfully. No breathing issues, no steroids! I guess the post-nasal drip was too irritating to my throat.
Austin
Malaysia
Yes if overused, it happened to me quite often by using Vicks everyday before i sleep.
Jane
UK
I don’t think it is a good idea to put Vicks actually into your nostrils. Using it outside them may be ok. I am joining in this conversation because I have a friend who used to put Vicks in his nostrils at night to help him breathe. He has had 2 brain bleeds/strokes and it made me wonder if there is a connection with the Vicks. I am not saying there is but it is something that a doctor would not think to ask a patient who had had a brain bleed/stroke and therefore maybe has never been considered? It seems to me a bit risky putting something like that in your head? Be interesting to debate if there may be a link?
chuck
stuart, fl
I used vicks vapor rub for years for chest cold conjestion. I would scoop a hunk out and put it in a pot of hot water on the stove then i would face the steamy pot take a towel drape it over my head and the pot and deeply breath in the vapors. Im 47 years old and have some breathing trouble but i also used to smoke cigs. Do you think they can tell if the vicks did damage with just a chest xray?
Ron
Maui
I have been doing the same. Using Vick vapor up my nose before bed for 15+ years. Recently diagnosed with LPR, I am wondering if this might be one of the reasons. Does anyone know if the vapor itself go into the nostrils and throat in a acid form that could irritate the actual throat are more? Let me know others you might link Vicks in the nose to LPR cause.
Julie
Michigan
I used to use vicks all the time thought I couldn’t sleep without it. Well then I started getting into essential oils after seeing a clients husband get worse using vicks with his copd I decided to make him something with my oils! I made him a rub with coconut oil and essential oils he started getting better less mucus build up and swears it works better than vicks! So now my whole family threw away the vicks and we just use the homeade stuff I make with essential oils! Just wanted to share maybe will help someone else like helped us!
Joe
kentucky
Julie, would you please share your recipe. I too have used vicks up my nose for 25+ years and now have COPD. I never smoked. Thank you.
Janet Mcmillan
Ohio
Could u give us the recipe!!! Please
Mariana
ND
I have recently been diagnosed with several nodules on my lungs this could possibly be from VICks because I have been putting it in my nose all the way to the back for a couple of years now. But now I’m going to stop, no more Vicks in the nostrils. I’ll probably still keep using it outside just to get the fumes going in so I can breathe easy deep breaths while I sleep.
dedicated
Louisiana
Well I am 53 years of age women ,I was raise on vicks vapor rub, I have 7 children , and 8 grandchildren, I raise my children with it ,and my children use it on there children , I know I became sick I paid over $100.00 dollars for my medicine it was not helping ,my vicks is what help me get better I stop taking the medicine, I do use vicks near my nose I don’t stuff it in there I rub a lite coat in side the edge of my nose I sleep great I go to the doctor like I’m surpose to my doctor knows I use vicks ,matter of fact it stop me from having to go to the hospital ,I’ve had every test done that needs to be done I’m very healthy ,my grandson was running a very high fever I put vicks under his feet with white socks and rub some behind his neck with a lite t-shirt on his fever broke in no time , and did not come back , my son works out and if his legs are shoulders are sore I rub vicks are the swelling go’s down and he doesn’t hurt any more vicks can be use for many different things ,yes some people may miss use it are was never thought the proper way to use it ,I know a lot of people who has used vicks and it really has saved a lot of life’s that I know of ,just saying yes maybe if someone puts to much in there nose it will go up the nasal to for ,but if you just rub a lite coat inside your nose at the edge I can’t see it doing any harm , everybody is different maybe some can use it maybe some can’t ,I hope this helps I can go on and on I’m a true believer in vicks vapor rub and so is my hold family and friends , it’s been here for years and has help I can’t see it stopping now I know people question what’s in it how it’s made but if you think about it any types of medication that is out there you take one thing to cure something and that medicine makes something else go wrong so then your on another type of medicine my husband’s brother had three different types of breathing medicine he breaths better with the vicks just a lite coat by his nose , I get my lungs check also and they are fine cause I’m always around a lot of smokers second hand you know , so this is my story I just wanted to share take care ,hope it helps.
BlackSheep
Kent, WA
Thanks for your thoughts “Dedicated Louisiana”. My nostrils get dry then bleed easily, few times when I remember I use to rub some Vaseline inside them before go to work to avoid that happens, a few nights ago I decided to put Vick, then my husband got upset saying that is very dangerous to my health, that I should never do that.
Any thoughts?
Melissa
Ohio USA
Thx so much for sharing. I have been sick for several weeks, and the only change that I now believe could be a strong factor is my regular use of Vicks starting around the same time.
Sabrina
Calgary
I have been using Vicks for about 10 years now, I cannot sleep without it. I joke all the time saying that I’m a “Vicks addict”, but this is not the first time that I have read that putting Vicks directly INTO your nostrils causes problems. The study I had read was only in children and did not cause me that much concern but now I am having problems breathing at night and I am now getting sores in both of my nostrils but I can’t seem to stop! My nose feels so dry without it, I really do feel like an addict. Does anyone have any thoughts on me telling this to my doctor and maybe having some tests done? Now I’m concerned.
Austin
People, use Vicks only when you have sinus or any feeling that soemthing is blocking your nose. Vicks is not a natural health medicine for your routine. Everything has a limit. Well, I am not really good at Chemistry but Vicks do contain certain chemicals and we can’t just inhale the same chemical into our lungs EVERYDAY. So if you are too concerned about it just talk about it with a doctor. (Sorry for bad english)
Pamela G.
Denver
I have been using vicks in the nostrils chest for several years… now, I’m getting very concerned. How do you stop without getting stopped up etc? I am really worried about health problems occurring after reading this.
TJM
McAllen,TX
Is been almost a year that I started having pain on my throat and lungs, I have so much difficulty breathing. My doctors have done so many tests without any luck. After reading this I think I know why. I seriously think I am a vapor rub addict, every single night in my nostrils, chest and even my neck. I can’t sleep without it! For at least 13 years every single night but from today on will not even get closer to that thing.
Hope I can do this. I am so tired of having chronic pain.
HEO
I’ve always used Vicks under my nose, but not in it. That’s how both of my grandmothers taught me to use it, and also to spread it on my chest. Works great for congestion and colds. Haven’t ever had lung issues from doing it like tha… my grandmothers seem to have been very wise.
Elaine
Vicks near the nostrils definitely helps with congestion, especially at bedtime. HOWEVER, I definitely recommend against using it inside your nose, or even on the rims of the nostrils. I have a jar that’s about 4 years old and would swear the menthol & eucalyptus are getting stronger over time. Applying it in or on the rim of the nostrils results in sore spots that last several days — I suspect it could contribute to some serious tissue damage, so I no longer use it that way.
This hasn’t been mentioned on this forum yet, but I noticed that my cat seems very attracted to the scent of the ointment. I checked online and it said eucalyptus is very toxic to cats, so keep it away from your pet.
J C
My mom used to put Vicks on the tip of her tongue then touch the back of her throat when she had a sore throat. She did this for years. For the last 15 or so years she’s had this chronic irritable cough. She was sent for allergy tests but they never did find the cause. Is it possible that her Vicks habit is the culprit?
Cheryl
Hi. In searching for information about my recent problems breathing, I came across these posts.
I have asthma and when I had a bout of bronchitis along with it 3 months ago, a friend suggested I boil some vicks vapo rub in some water, stick a towel over my head and breathe in the steam for comfort! So I did.
Ever since that date I have not been able to be free of taking prednisone for the inflammation of my lungs. It has not been properly diagnosed as yet, because we weren’t sure if I had a relapse of a bacterial infection, but we are very close to it now. In fact I see a physician today and I’m quite sure I will hear about the petroleum product being in my lungs.
I never thought twice about doing what my friend suggested with the steam since my mom used to put it in a vaporizor in my room at night when I had colds etc.
Don B.
I used to do this as a child 50 or 60 years ago. Now when I wanted to do it saw the label. Also note it is white and hard. The old Vicks was blue and more a paste in a blue jar. I will look for it in the tube (probably Amazon) as had not heard of it before.
I think they changed the formula, can’t let good things alone.
Vickie in TX
This seems unbelievable to me. I use vicks all the time. Especially when I get a bad head cold and I can’t sleep. I figured instead of using nose spray, I would just stuff wads of vicks up in my nose. I always sleep like a baby and have never had pneumonia in my life.
As a young girl, my grandmother swore by Vicks. She stuffed it in her nose all the time and she was never sick. She lived to be 95 yrs old and I just don’t believe Vicks is harmful. I don’t plan to discontinue using it in this way, because without it, I think I would have been dead a long time ago.
If a person has some kind of bad immune system, maybe they couldn’t handle it, but for a normally healthy person, I don’t see any bad outcomes.
This is only my opinion, so use at your own risk, but I love Vicks and plan on using it until I die. Thanks for reading.
Vickie
West Texas
Angelika
Oh wow I have done this for quite a while too, it’s just so addicting but I am trying to quit.
AJR
An I also might add that I put quite a bit of the coconut oil in my nostrils – right before I laid down and went to bed.
AJR
I was wondering if putting coconut oil inside my nose would be as dangerous as a petroleum based oil. I did two times at night, and now after reading this, I’m worried!
People’s Pharmacy response: Though we would generally suggest a water-based lubricant would be better, coconut oil might not be as dangerous as petroleum jelly. We don’t have any research on this.
J.H.
I’ve been using Vick’s as it has a calming effect, could just breathing it too much be harmful?
JMC
Burt’s Beeswax Lip balm works well for me. No petroleum in it as it is made out of beeswax.
CP
The only problem I have with breathe right strips is that the adhesive irritates the bridge of my nose, and if I use them two nights in a row it tears the skin off of my nose.
Rem
For J.A.L. and anyone else who is using Vicks to clear their nose– if you haven’t tried Breathe Right strips, I would recommend them as a harmless and usually effective alternative. They go right across your nose and the spring-like tension in the strip pulls both sides of your nose outward, clearing your nasal breathing passages. They really work to improve breathing and help prevent snoring, and you will probably feel better immediately! They are a bit on the expensive side (but are available at Costco, etc.) but have no side effects. They are certainly worth trying for anyone with a temporary or chronic nasal breathing problem.
amzh
As an adult, I read the label and I now use the Vicks underneath my nostrils, on the upper lip, simply because I like the smell when I have a cold. I feel it helps me breath better. As a child, there were people who stuffed their nostrils with it. Also there were those who swallowed some in the belief that it helped cure a bad cold. I also used it liberally on the chest and back when any one in the family had bad colds. The vapors seemed to help.
J.A.L.
I read, with interest, the advice about NOT putting Vicks in the nostrils. My wife pointed out the article in the newspaper. I had seen a similar article years ago.
During the night, I usually get up a couple of times or so. If my nose feels a little stopped up, I put some Vicks on my upper lip, just outside the nostrils. This is a condition where blowing the nose would have no effect. I just want my nose clear so that I can get back to sleep. I suspect that a lot of Vicks users also need their nostrils clear to get good sleep (quite important) as well as to limit snoring (also very important) and to not wake up with a very dry mouth. It would have been helpful for the article to get positive and suggest some easy, reasonable and effective alternate means of keeping the nostrils clear. It indicated that Vicks in the nostrils is bad but left us dangling, with no where to go, to solve the problem that Vicks seem to solve for many.
I am almost 81 and still going mostly strong.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: SALINE SPRAYS HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED, THOUGH THE RELIEF THEY OFFER IS SHORT TERM. SOME READERS HAVE SUGGESTED THAT A WATER-BASED PERSONAL LUBRICANT SUCH AS ASTROGLIDE CAN BE HELPFUL FOR A DRY NOSE, EVEN THOUGH IT IS DESIGNED FOR QUITE A DIFFERENT PURPOSE!
Chris
I have been plagued with sores on the inside of my nose for years. I too would use petro based products until I read about the possible effects. Peoples Pharmacy recommended a personal lubricant like KY jelly. I tried that but to no avail. My sister, who is a nurse, said hospitals use bacitracin in areas such as the nostrils. I have been using it and it seems to help. I didn’t see petrolatum listed in the ingredients. Is this safe to use?
LGF
Rem said it all.
Brent B.
I’ll have to tell my mom about this one! She does have a doctor who told her to use nasal irrigation, so that should help. Personally I use a small bottle of essential eucalyptus oil and sniff that if I ever have any congestion, and it does the trick. Don’t know why anyone would put something like “nasal napalm” on their mucus membranes, but I guess some people just can’t read the label — or won’t? Thanks for these useful information!
Debi
My dad uses this all the time, and I’ve tried it a few times. Although I like the menthol I inhale, I don’t like the residue that the petroleum part leaves. I have COPD and the menthol helps, but I am scared to use the petroleum. Is there another way to get that menthol smell without the petroleum base?
KH
My daughter has asthma and finds the use of a vaporizer at night helpful for her symptoms. She adds some Mentholatum (which has petrolatum in it) to the water. Would this also cause a problem? Or does the heat break up the fat in the petrolatum and render it OK to breathe? It is a very small amount she puts in – perhaps a tablespoon or less.
MDC
People really should learn to READ THE LABEL ! It says right on the box under warnings…do not use in nostrils.
Rem
The example comment that the writer has been using Vicks in his or her nostrils for years and never had pneumonia reminds me of legions of people who used to (and some still do) smoke cigarettes and haven’t (yet) come down with lung cancer. Sure, the amazing George Burns smoked cigars and lived to be 100 — but the cemeteries are full of millions (millions!) of people who died well before their time due to smoking and lung cancer. A good percentage of them were in total denial about the dangers of smoking (as was I until about 25 years ago). Don’t be a chump — pay close attention when there are red flags flying on important health or safety issues and don’t think that you will be the only ONE who will be totally exempt from the effects of bad habits (smoking, drinking, Vicks in the nose, not buckling seat belts, cocaine, etc.).
s.h.
Why not look at vick’s in a tube; worth the extra cost.
Paul G.
Perhaps this is like so many things in life. I would suspect that occasional “vicks in the nose” would be Ok while chronic use is probably not OK. We need to walk life in balance and even good things when used excessively can have a negative impact on our lives.
DWD
So it there an epidemic of lipoid pneumonia? All I hear are a few anecdotal single stories. The doctor was undecided until he heard the daily use of Vicks. He may be guilty of associating hoofprints with horses when there really was a zebra in the area.
As you might guess I as still a skeptic. I agree it is possible, but I am of the opinion that a person is much more likely to die in a driving accident than from putting Vicks up their nose. I would love to see some hard evidence on incidences of lipoid pneumonia from ingestion of oils into the lungs. Wikipedia tells me it can come from outside the body or from the body itself. How many cases of lipoid pneumonid do we even have in the US, as compared to things like heart attacks, bleeding ulcers and such?
I agree using Vicks in the nostrils every night for 10 years did increase this person’s odds, but there is no direct proof. There is scant info on google about the condition and much of it is 50 years old info. One article was chopped off, but the gist was that using mineral oil as a laxative might be a cause as well. I remember when Vicks had a nosedrops was was definitely greasy.
Since reading about this problem here I have reduced my usage of Vicks, petroleum jelly, and Vitamin A+D ointment (I have even tried Abolene) in my nostrils. I use a saline nasal gel and saline nose drops more often. But excessive air conditioning and winter dry heat drive me back to this remed on a much less frequent basis (1-4) times per month. And this last article has prompted me to rethink my usage habits. I have often used it at bedtime, but I think I will try to modify my “habit”.
The first would be to use a minimal amount, because like Fearless Fosdick said about Wildroot Creme Oil, a little dab’ll do ya. So no more gobs of it on a Q-tip, just a thin coating. The second will be to NOT use it at bedtime anymore, as that would seem to me to leave it in the air passages longer. Being upright means more of it will be swallowed and end up in the stomach instead of being sucked into the lungs.
My winter time nose bleeds have been reduced drastically in the last two years because I had some blood vessels in my nostril cauterized because I did not want to have a nosebleed before a heart procedure.
ONW
I have 1 nodule in my lung,1 cm… never put vicks in my nose.. , ound thru arm xray for shoulder pain, also nodule on thyroid, I am 80 yrs old and by my mercke manual says age related, what do you think???
msw
As children our mother had us swallow a bit of vicks (for bronchitis). I was diagnosed (by biopsy) with sarcoidosis- -chest wall-as an adult almost 40 years ago I am now 71-anything new on causes of Sarcoid?
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THAT STILL SEEMS TO BE A MYSTERY.
CBL
Thanks for the information. I used to put Vick’s in my nose, too, until I (finally) read the label. On the jar under WARNINGS, it says “For external use only… do not put in mouth or nostrils.” I was tempted to disregard the warning, but then remembered my mother’s advice: When in doubt, don’t.
JB
I recently had a friend die as the result of a pneumonia that the hospital could not cure. He also had a heart condition but it was the pneumonia that killed him. He also was a Vicks in the nose user. I would weigh on the side of caution. Vicks outside the nose…ok. Vicks inside the nose…no no.
S.H.
Buy Vick’s in the tube; costs around $8 (depending on the store) but DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY PETRO PRODUCTS, IS MORE CONCENTRATED AND I LIKE IT SO MUCH, I DON’T USE THE VICKS IN THE JAR EXCEPT ON TOE NAILS or insect bites