I used the Sinus Rinse with tap water without boiling it?

Question

Hello, for the past week I had a congested nose and I decided to use the sinus rinse, because it had worked well for me in the past. I started to use it again for 4 times a day and this for 1 week. Only, not having any more demineralized water (my mother who is a Nurse always made me do it with this type of water), my spouse said to me that his mother, she always made him use the tap water, without boiling it before and had never had any problem. Since 2-3 days, with the use of the sinus rinse with tap water, I find myself blowing clear blood, or the water comes out of my nose pinkish. Is this due to the fact that I do it too many times a day which is 4 times a day or is it because of the type of water used? Thank you very much.

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Good morning, ma'am, It is extremely important to boil tap water for 5 minutes and let it cool down before using it for nasal hygiene. Tap water is clean enough to drink but contains microorganisms that can be very dangerous for nasal hygiene. If you blow your nose often or forcefully, this may cause bleeding. I suggest you try to blow your nose with less force if this is the case, and irrigate with less force as well. I hope I've been helpful, please feel free if you have any other questions Tom Samaha, pharmacist