Question: I used a sinus rinse last night and this morning to alleviate some pressure that has been causing me frontal headaches and snoring. Is using NYC tap water for nasal irrigation safe? I live in New York City and used its – famously clean – tap water for the rinse, though have since learned that this could be very dangerous due to the risk of bacteria and amoeba (and that boiled or filtered water is recommended). While I certainly wouldn’t see any adverse symptoms by this point, I have felt a little more sluggish and groggy today than usual. Are these common issues after using a sinus rinse and should I be concerned about the risk of infection after having used tap water?
Thank you!
Answer:
Thanks for your question. We do believe that nasal rinsing with hypertonic (saltier than normal saline) water is effective in helping the nose and sinuses become better filters. We usually recommend using either distilled, boiled (and cooled) or bottled water to make the solution. There have been no good studies on whether tap water is safe, however, for nasal rinsing. There is that case report of the infection after nasal rinsing, as you mention. However, I believe that if you would feel safe drinking the water, then probably (and I emphasize probably) tap water for nasal irrigation will be OK for an otherwise healthy individual. An immune compromised person should probably only use sterile water to rinse, if at all.
I doubt your symptoms are from infection from your sinus rinse- although people can have adverse effects, like getting water into the ear or getting water stuck in the sinuses If that happens, either rinse less forcefully, or stop doing so.
In the past, we had marketed a nasal rinse, Saltaire, which is premixed and still might be available on line.
Robert Pincus MD
NY Sinus Center
Frequently Asked Questions
While NYC tap water is famously clean, it is generally recommended to use distilled, boiled (and cooled), or bottled water for nasal rinses to minimize the risk of bacterial or amoebic infections. There are no definitive studies proving tap water safety for nasal irrigation, but if the water is safe to drink, it is probably safe for nasal rinsing in healthy individuals.
Experts recommend using distilled, boiled (and cooled), or bottled water to prepare nasal rinse solutions to reduce the risk of infections from bacteria or amoebas that may sometimes be present in tap water.
Though rare, using tap water for nasal rinsing carries a risk of infection from bacteria or amoebas. There has been at least one reported case of infection linked to nasal rinsing with tap water, so caution is advised especially for people with compromised immune systems.
Feeling sluggish or groggy after a sinus rinse is unlikely due to infection from the rinse itself. These symptoms may be caused by other factors, and if you experience discomfort like water getting stuck or entering the ear during rinsing, adjusting the rinsing technique may help.
For people with weakened immune systems, it is strongly recommended to use only sterile water, such as distilled or boiled water, for nasal rinsing to avoid the risk of serious infections.
If water enters your ears or gets stuck in the sinuses during nasal rinsing, you should rinse less forcefully or pause the procedure to prevent discomfort or potential complications.
Yes, premixed nasal rinse products such as Saltaire are available and may be purchased online, providing a convenient and safe alternative to mixing your own solution with tap water.
