• Glutathione (GSH) is suggested to be the only method that helps increase GSH levels in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF), wherein GSH plays the role of "the first line of defense against oxidative stress."
• GSH inhalation through a nebulizer or as an aerosol can help in several conditions including "Farmer's lung, pre- and post-exercise, multiple chemical sensitivity disorder and cigarette smoking." Other than that, it has also known to be helpful in several other conditions as well.
• Since GSH acts as a potent antioxidant, and also improves oxygenation as well as host defenses, it is thought to be helpful when inhaled.

Safety Concerns and Side Effects

• Overall, GSH inhalation is considered to be "very safe, and rarely causes major or life-threatening side effects."
• GSH is not recommended for the treatment of primary lung cancer.
• Asthma patients who are also sulfite-sensitive can experience bronchoconstriction on inhaling GSH. A test for sulfites, is therefore, recommended before inhaling GSH to prevent this major side effect.
• Minor side effects of GSH inhalation include "transient coughing and an unpleasant odor."

Effectiveness of GSH inhalation

• GSH inhalation has been known to be helpful in several respiratory-related conditions as well as pulmonary diseases.
• It should be noted, however, that GSH inhalation is still being studied and more studies are needed.
• When it comes to treating lungs, Nebulized GSH has been proven to be more effective as compared to oral or IV GSH.

Optimal Levels of GSH

• Although GSH plays a vital role in critical physiological processes and maintaining optimal levels is recommended in order to maintain good health and prevent diseases, "clear, causal relationships between glutathione status and disease risk or treatment remain to be clarified."