Understanding the dangers of nasal rinsing with unsterilised tap water

The human body is a complex yet delicate system, where even something as miniscule as a virus or bacteria can wreak havoc on our health. According to a new study, acanthamoeba is the latest threat.

A seemingly innocuous organism found in tap water, it may cause infections to those who do nasal rinse from tap water.

Zachary Rubin, MD, pediatric allergist clinical immunologist, and content creator shared a video on Instagram and said, “A recently published study shows that there is another amoeba that has been linked to severe infections that have been likely due to nasal rinsing with tap water.”

“Do not rinse your nose with tap water unless it was previously boiled. A new study suggests that there is another organism that could cause severe infections if you rinse your nose with tap water,” he captions the post.

 

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Dr RR Dutta, HOD, internal medicine at Paras Health, Gurugram explains, “The discovery of acanthamoeba as a potential cause of severe infections when rinsing the nose with tap water is significant, as it sheds light on a previously underestimated risk associated with a common practice.”

Dr Dimple Jangda, an ayurveda coach and gut health expert adds that tap water was never safe, considering the number of forever chemicals, and industry pollutants found in it. “It’s home to several kinds of bacteria and parasites that thrive in water bodies and can easily enter our bodies through consumption. Acanthamoeba is a microscopic organism, which can be easily found in water bodies like tap water, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools.”

Be vigilant for any signs or symptoms of infection, such as nasal congestion, headache, fever, or changes in mental status, and seek medical attention promptly if any concerns arise. (Source: Freepik)

Risks associated with acanthamoeba infections

When we do nasal rinsing with tap water that hasn’t been boiled, we are exposing the nasal passage and our bronchial health to a variety of bacteria that are unsafe. Acanthamoeba can enter the brain and central nervous system, through nasal passage and cause serious issues like granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE), Dr Jangda states.

Acanthamoeba is a type of protozoan, Dr Dutta elaborates, that can cause a condition known as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) when it enters the central nervous system.

Particular demographics or individuals who might be at higher risk

Dr Dutta says that those with compromised immune systems, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, cancer patients undergoing treatment, those with systemic lupus erythematosus, and alcoholics might be at higher risk.

Precautions for those who regularly perform nasal irrigation

In light of this study, Dr Dutta recommends the following preventive measures to individuals who regularly perform nasal irrigation using tap water:

* Use distilled or sterile water for nasal irrigation to minimise the risk of Acanthamoeba contamination.

* If tap water must be used, ensure it is properly filtered or boiled and cooled before use to reduce the likelihood of amoebic contamination.

* Clean and disinfect nasal irrigation devices thoroughly after each use to prevent the buildup of potentially harmful microorganisms.

* Be vigilant for any signs or symptoms of infection, such as nasal congestion, headache, fever, or changes in mental status, and seek medical attention promptly if any concerns arise.

Alternative methods for nasal irrigation

Dr Jangda says that in Ayurveda, there is a treatment called nasyam, which is the introduction of medicated oil drops through the nostrils.

In nasyam, a specialised or trained therapist will massage your sinus glands with medicated oils to relax the sinus passages and liquefy the mucus. Post this, medicated oil drops like anu thailam or bala thailam, or kumkumadi thailam are introduced to lubricate the sinus passages.

“The medicine heals the inner tissues and takes the mucus down into the throat after which the patient can spit it out. It is advisable to gargle with warm water, turmeric, and salt post-nasyam treatment to prevent throat infection from parasites and bacteria dripping into the throat region,” she says.

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