Doctor's warnings before clearing blocked nose - including 'brain eating amoeba'

There are ways to flush out your nose safely - but ignoring the advice could lead to some serious consequences.

By Andrew Nuttall, Senior Lifestyle Writer

10:32, Wed, Oct 16, 2024 | UPDATED: 10:41, Wed, Oct 16, 2024

With winter weather settling in, it's no surprise that people are already suffering from irritating colds and blocked noses. Struggling to breathe properly can really wipe you out, but people are warned to avoid these common mistakes when trying home remedies to fix things.

It can be tempting to flush out your sinuses and allow yourself a moment to do what you often take for granted—breathing clearly. However, a doctor has warned that the process can come with some serious risks if done incorrectly.

Dr Sermed Mezher, an NHS doctor with a large TikTok following, shared what he believes are the worst three things you can do to flush out your nose. One could be potentially fatal.

Firstly, the doctor says people often forget to tilt their head forward. He said: "We want that fluid to go around the back of the nose and out the other side, not go down the throat and be swallowed, triggering coughing."

He went on to explain that the next problem comes from the water's temperature being just right. Dr. Mezher explained how things can become worse if this is not done correctly.

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@drsermedmezher
My Sinus Rinse Isnt Working #blocked Tap water can sometimes be contaminated with Naegleria fowleri, a rare but deadly amoeba that thrives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and poorly maintained water systems. While it is uncommon for tap water to carry this pathogen, it can occasionally be found in untreated or improperly treated water, particularly in areas with outdated infrastructure. Naegleria fowleri poses a significant risk when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose, as it can travel to the brain and cause a devastating infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Although infections are extremely rare, they are almost always fatal. The amoeba does not cause harm if swallowed, but it is important to avoid activities like rinsing your sinuses with tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered, or treated to ensure its safety. Being cautious, especially in warm climates where the amoeba is more likely to flourish, is essential, even though the overall risk is low. Proper water treatment and safe practices like using distilled or boiled water for nasal rinsing can help protect against this rare but serious threat. #nose #ill #sick
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"Too hot and you can obviously burn yourself," he said. "Too cold and you can get bony growths inside your nose."

As an extra pet peeve, Dr Mezher said that the way you point irrigation devices up your nose also plays a part in how successful you'll be. He shared that inside the nose is "fairly horizontal" so it makes sense to "aim it that way for maximum effectiveness".

The "most important" thing for anyone attempting to flush their nose at home to take note of is this major risk. Using plain tap water could expose you to a "brain-eating amoeba", says Dr Mezher.

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If combined with a previous error of pointing any applicator "straight up" then it gives the parasite a direct path to it's goal and could "essentially turn [your brain] into mush". But, he stresses that finding active Naegleria Fowleri is only true in "some cases".

To be safe, he advises using "sterile saline" solution which can be whipped up at home by boiling one pint of water and letting it cool to body temperature. Mix in one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, according to the NHS website.