A new study warns against using tap water for nasal irrigation or other medical devices at home.

A study recently published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases found that many people mistakenly believe that tap water is good for nasal rinses, humidifiers and CPAP machines.

Infectious disease specialist Dr Michael Chang said tap water is safe to drink, but it should not be used for home medical devices.

“There are a lot of enzymes and chemicals in your mouth that help break down food, but even those can help kill bacteria and fungi, and then if you get to your stomach, the acid in your stomach will kill those pathogens. she explained to Dr. Chang.

However, when inhaling tap water, things are different and sometimes harmful.

“Your nose is basically directly connected to your brain. There is a thin bone at the back of the nasal passage called the lamina cribrosa and this is where the nerves in your nose actually connect to your brain and this bone is not hard. It actually has many small holes, it is like a sponge, so if you inject non-sterile water into the nostril and apply the right force at the right angle, you can put pathogens in the nose right away. brain,” she explained to Dr. Chang.

Instead, it is better to use distilled water or water that has been boiled for at least three minutes and cooled to room temperature. This will help kill harmful pathogens. However, whenever water enters your nose, there is a small risk.

Last week, a Florida man died from a suspected brain-eating amoeba linked to his nasal lavage.

As spring allergies rise and more people seek relief, Dr. Chang urges you to take the extra step for your own safety and use distilled or boiled water.

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