Nasal rinses have been found to relieve sinus congestion, but it is important to use the right type of liquid to avoid infections with deadly brain-eating amoebas. Washing the sinuses with unsterilized tap water can expose individuals to Acanthamoeba and Naegleria fowleri, amoebas that are commonly found in bodies of water and can also survive in tap water. These single-celled organisms can cause skin diseases, eye or lung infections, and fatal brain infections. Recent studies have reported rare cases of Acanthamoeba infections in the United States, with three fatalities.
One case reported in Pakistan involved a 22-year-old man who used tap water to rinse his sinuses as a religious ritual and was infected with N. fowleri. Brain infections caused by these amoebas are typically fatal, but the man survived due to early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. He is one of only eight known survivors of N. fowleri infections worldwide. While these infections are rare, they can have devastating consequences, highlighting the importance of using safe water for nasal rinses.
In the United States, Acanthamoeba affects a small number of individuals each year, with a high fatality rate of about 82 percent. Similarly, N. fowleri infections are rare, with only about three cases reported annually in the country. The individuals in the CDC study who were infected with these amoebas all had weakened immune systems due to conditions like cancer or HIV/AIDS. Some had been using nasal rinses for years, with varying practices regarding the type of water used.
To prevent infections with amoebas, experts recommend using distilled, sterile, or filtered water for nasal rinses. If tap water is used, it should be boiled for five minutes and cooled before use. These precautions can help reduce the risk of exposure to amoebas that can lead to serious infections. Overall, while these cases are rare, they serve as important reminders of the potential dangers associated with improper nasal rinsing practices and the importance of using safe water sources.
