Many people suffer from nasal problems in daily life, such as nasal congestion and runny nose during rhinitis flare-ups, or discomfort caused by nasal dryness. Nasal irrigation, as a simple and effective care method, can relieve these symptoms and keep the nasal cavity clean and moist. Saline solution is a commonly used solution for nasal irrigation, leading some to wonder if it's possible to prepare saline solution directly with tap water. The answer is no, and the reasons will be explained in detail from several key aspects below.
Tap water carries a high risk of excessive microbial content
Although tap water undergoes a series of treatment processes, it may still contain a certain number of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. During nasal irrigation, these microorganisms will enter the nasal cavity with the water flow. The nasal mucosa is relatively fragile and rich in blood vessels, providing a favorable environment for the survival and reproduction of microorganisms. Once harmful microorganisms proliferate in large numbers in the nasal cavity, it can cause nasal infections, exacerbating diseases such as rhinitis and sinusitis, leading to symptoms such as worsened nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, headache, and fever, seriously affecting health and quality of life. For example, people with weakened immune systems, such as children, the elderly, or those with immune system disorders, are more susceptible to microbial invasion and serious infectious complications after rinsing their nasal cavity with "saline solution" made from tap water.
Impact in tap water can damage the nasal mucosa
In addition to microorganisms, tap water contains various impurities, such as sediment, rust, heavy metal ions (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium), and residual chlorine from the disinfection process. When rinsing the nasal cavity with a solution made from tap water containing these impurities, the impurities come into direct contact with the nasal mucosa. Particulate matter such as sediment and rust can scratch the nasal mucosa, damaging its integrity, reducing its barrier function, and increasing the risk of infection. Heavy metal ions and residual chlorine are irritating and can irritate the nasal mucosa, causing discomfort such as congestion, edema, and pain. Long-term use may also cause chronic damage to the nasal mucosa, affecting the normal physiological function of the nasal cavity.
The osmotic pressure of tap water is incompatible with that of the human body
Physiological saline solution is widely used for nasal irrigation because its osmotic pressure is essentially equal to that of human extracellular fluid, maintaining the normal morphology and function of nasal mucosal cells. However, the osmotic pressure of tap water differs significantly from that of human extracellular fluid. If so-called "physiological saline solution" is prepared using tap water, when the osmotic pressure is higher than that of human extracellular fluid, water will flow out of the nasal mucosal cells, causing cell dehydration and shrinkage, damaging the normal structure and function of the nasal mucosa, and leading to nasal dryness, pain, and other discomfort. When the osmotic pressure is lower than that of human extracellular fluid, water will enter the nasal mucosal cells, causing cell swelling, which will also affect the normal physiological activity of the nasal mucosa and may even cause nasal mucosal edema, worsening symptoms such as nasal congestion.
Inaccurate concentration cannot be guaranteed
The preparation of physiological saline solution for nasal irrigation requires strict concentration control, with a commonly used 0.9% sodium chloride solution. When using tap water, it is difficult to accurately control the amount of sodium chloride added, thus making it impossible to guarantee the precise concentration of the prepared solution. Both excessively high and low concentrations of saline solution can have adverse effects on the nasal cavity. Too high a concentration can cause dehydration of the nasal mucosal cells, worsening nasal dryness and discomfort; too low a concentration cannot effectively maintain the normal osmotic pressure of the nasal mucosa, failing to provide proper cleaning and care, and may even irritate the nasal mucosa, triggering an inflammatory response.
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of nasal irrigation and protect nasal health, never use tap water to prepare saline solution. It is recommended to choose a reputable medical-grade saline product, or use a specially treated and prepared nasal irrigation solution under the guidance of a professional doctor. This will ensure that the nasal cavity is cleaned and cared for while avoiding health risks caused by improper operation.
