Can tap water cause Naegleria fowleri infection?
Hello doctor,
I am in a subtropical state. As I was washing my face a few days ago, I accidentally got some tap water up my nose. Vaguely aware that there might be concerns about the Naegleria fowleri amoeba down here, I panicked and then took some bottled mineral water and tried to rinse my nose with it, thinking that that might be more thoroughly purified and wash away anything from the tap water. However, the bottled water ended up going much further up my nose, and it felt the way it used to feel when getting water up my nose in a swimming pool as a kid. That happened a few days ago. I am worried whether either of these water sources (tap and/or bottled water) could have contained the amoeba. I have been having some issues with mucus dripping from the back of my nose into my throat, occasionally mild pressure when I swallow, and for the past couple of days I have had a vague headache all day, but nothing intensely painful (it seems to have diminished somewhat today, though perhaps not fully gone away). I am not sure if I should go to an ER for evaluation, or if I should just wait and see if any more characteristic symptoms develop. I have not observed any changes in smelling ability, nor any neck pain; just a mild, vague headache. I know that if one gets the Naegleria fowleri infection time is of the essence, but I do not want to go spend a lot of money and time at the ER just to have them say that they do not see anything yet and to come back if anything changes. Is there a test they could do at this point to determine if an amoeba is present, or is that only practicable if an infection reaches a more serious stage? Should I go to an emergency room now or just wait and see what happens?
22 Apr 2024 - 1 min read
Why am I not able to differentiate between smells after having had a septoplasty?
Hello doctor,
I had a septoplasty and turbinate removal two months ago. I have taken medicines only for three weeks after the surgery. Now, I am not taking any medications and I have a feeling of stuffy nose again. There is also swelling in the nose. I am breathing great but the problem is with the smell. I am not able to differentiate between smells. Kindly suggest treatment.
08 Feb 2024 - 1 min read
Is my daughter's fever a symptom of dengue or swine flu?
Hi doctor,
My 3 year old daughter has a fever for the past three days, and we are giving her Paracetamol. Since yesterday she has running nose and cough. I gave her Crocin twice in the morning three hours back, but her fever is 101.8. Should I give her Meftal P? Is there a possibility of dengue or swine flu? I am scared.
30 Jan 2024 - 1 min read
I feel as if something is moving in my throat. It is bothering me a lot. Please help.
Hello doctor,
I feel as if there is something stuck or moving in my throat around the back of the mouth to the Adam's apple. It has been bothering me for a few days. There is no pain associated with it, just the feeling as if something is moving up and down my throat. It goes down if I swallow, and comes up if I let it.
17 Jan 2024 - 1 min read
Why is my congested throat with swollen tonsils not getting cured?
Hi doctor,
I am suffering from a congested throat with swollen tonsils (with some white spots on it) since three days. Doctors gave me capsule Cefspan 400 mg, twice a day, tablet Fexet 160 mg, once daily, tablet Brufen 400 mg twice daily, Daktarin oral gel. It is not reducing. What should I do? Please guide me accordingly.
07 Dec 2023 - 1 min read
