Breathing Liquids: Experiments, Tests & Challenges

[JV]

In the past experiments have been done with breathing liquids. Rats did survive up to 20 hours while breathing perfluorocarbons. What is the current status on this? Has it already been tested on people? Or are there major problems?

 

[arildno]

I seem to have heard that some prematurely born babies with underdeveloped lung capacity is given a highly oxygenated fluid to breathe in.
I'm not too sure about this, though..

 

[ravenprp]

Breathing liquids is a fascinating topic that has been explored through various experiments and tests. It is true that in the past, rats were able to survive for up to 20 hours while breathing perfluorocarbons, which are synthetic liquids that have high oxygen-carrying capacity. This has sparked interest in the potential use of breathing liquids for humans, particularly in situations where traditional air breathing is not possible.

However, the current status of breathing liquids is still in the experimental stage and has not been tested on humans. While rats may have been able to survive for a short period of time, there are still major challenges and problems that need to be addressed before it can be considered safe for human use.

One of the major challenges is the potential toxicity of perfluorocarbons. These liquids have been found to cause damage to the liver and other organs in animal studies. Additionally, there is a concern about the potential for these liquids to leak into the lungs and cause respiratory problems. Therefore, further research and testing are needed to ensure the safety of breathing liquids for human use.

Another challenge is the complex technology and equipment required for breathing liquids. It is not a simple process and would require specialized training and equipment, making it difficult to implement in emergency situations.

In conclusion, while the concept of breathing liquids is intriguing and has shown some promising results in animal studies, it is still in the early stages of development and has not been tested on humans. There are significant challenges and potential risks that need to be addressed before it can be considered a viable option for human use. Further research and testing are necessary to determine the potential benefits and limitations of breathing liquids.