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I Was Reading About The “triangle Of Death” In The
Question: I was reading about the “triangle of death” in the nose (https://www.cnbc.com/2014/05/20/dont-mess-with-triangle-of-death-dr-oz-warns.html).
I don’t know how common this is but I’m worrying about the fact that I picked my nose while taking out the garbage (bad idea – I know) and it felt like my fingernail sharply pressed the interior of the nose. It probably didn’t pierce the interior but I’m not sure. I was then worrying that bacteria could have gotten into the nose and up to the brain based on what the article said. So, I used saline spray and tried to inhale the spray in the nose because I thought that would clean the nose. In retrospect, I’m not sure if that might have just brought more bacteria up more to the brain though. So, I’m worrying about the risk that bacteria could have gotten into the brain (either from my fingernail or the nasal spray) and could cause a bacterial brain infection. Is this risk low enough that I shouldn’t spend time worrying about it? Maybe I should just take this as a lesson to keep my fingers out of my nose?
I don’t know how common this is but I’m worrying about the fact that I picked my nose while taking out the garbage (bad idea – I know) and it felt like my fingernail sharply pressed the interior of the nose. It probably didn’t pierce the interior but I’m not sure. I was then worrying that bacteria could have gotten into the nose and up to the brain based on what the article said. So, I used saline spray and tried to inhale the spray in the nose because I thought that would clean the nose. In retrospect, I’m not sure if that might have just brought more bacteria up more to the brain though. So, I’m worrying about the risk that bacteria could have gotten into the brain (either from my fingernail or the nasal spray) and could cause a bacterial brain infection. Is this risk low enough that I shouldn’t spend time worrying about it? Maybe I should just take this as a lesson to keep my fingers out of my nose?
Brief Answer:
Bacteria doesn’t get into the brain so easily
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
1. The bacteria in the air or over the skin or mucosa inside the nose doesn’t get such an easy entry into the brain. If the latter has to happen then a person must be immunocompromised.
2. The infective organisms gain entry into the brain through the venous channels surrounding the nose. For that to happen, there should be infection in the local area. We breathe in and breathe out millions of bacteria and viruses each second, that doesn’t mean all these organisms settle inside the brain. Gaining entry into the brain is a tough job for the infective organisms.
3. If you feel you have traumatised the nasal mucosa with your finger nail, then, application of antibiotic nasal cream available over the counter would suffice in containing these organisms.
4. You can definitely use saline nasal spray. It is highly beneficial in cleansing the nose.
Hope this answers your query; Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Bacteria doesn’t get into the brain so easily
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
1. The bacteria in the air or over the skin or mucosa inside the nose doesn’t get such an easy entry into the brain. If the latter has to happen then a person must be immunocompromised.
2. The infective organisms gain entry into the brain through the venous channels surrounding the nose. For that to happen, there should be infection in the local area. We breathe in and breathe out millions of bacteria and viruses each second, that doesn’t mean all these organisms settle inside the brain. Gaining entry into the brain is a tough job for the infective organisms.
3. If you feel you have traumatised the nasal mucosa with your finger nail, then, application of antibiotic nasal cream available over the counter would suffice in containing these organisms.
4. You can definitely use saline nasal spray. It is highly beneficial in cleansing the nose.
Hope this answers your query; Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2543 Questions
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