I Used Neilmed Nasal ( Sinus ) Cleaner Tonight And

Posted on Fri, 18 Jan 2019

Question: i used neilmed nasal (sinus) cleaner tonight and used tap water that i microwaved for one minute rather than using distilled water. should i be worried or is tap water safe to use for this application? the tap water is city supplied (municipal tap water). thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Nasal douching requires warm potable water. You can definitely use Municipal tap water for the nasal douching if you are confident enough, that, the water supply is clean. Or else, you can boil the water, cool it and then use for nasal douching.

For the present scenario, do not worry! The nasal douching done earlier with Municipal tap water will not infect your nose. Usually, the infection happens in the immunocompromised individuals and seldom in healthy individuals.

To be on the safer side, please use the water after thoroughly boiling it.

Hope this answers our query; Revert back to me if you have any follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (36 hours later)

i did this on thursday night and ive heard stories of amoebas in water. is it possible that i got one or would i already have a fever and be in the hospital? i currently have a really bad sinus infection and have been experiencing fatigue today and some sickness.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You would require antibiotics...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Yes the bacteria will be there in infected water only. If you are using the tap water for drinking purpose and if you are healthy, then, obviously it is not infected water.

If order to avoid confusion, it is better to use the boiled water for nasal douching. If your sinuses are not getting better with medicines, I would suggest you to start on apt antibiotics (after consulting your doctor) and oral mucolytic agents.

Do steam inhalation and drink frequent sips of warm water.

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good health.

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. Raju A.T