Concerns After Showering: Nasal Water Exposure and Facial Symmetry Issues

Issues Discovered While Showering

Hello Dr.
Hong, I would like to ask you some questions.
While I was showering, water from the handheld showerhead accidentally went into my nostrils, and I suddenly felt uncomfortable as if it flowed down to my throat.
I’m concerned whether this could introduce bacteria or parasites into my nasal cavity.
After I finished showering, while using a cotton swab to clean my ears, I suddenly felt a strange sensation and wondered if the water affected my facial nerve or caused some kind of imbalance.
I’m not sure what the symptoms are, but I can still smile normally.
However, I’ve just noticed that the muscle tone on the left side of my face is not symmetrical compared to the right side, and the left side feels fuller.
I would like to know if these symptoms indicate a nerve imbalance.
I was worried and asked my mom, and she said since I can still talk, I might be overthinking it.
After thinking it over, I wondered if this could be related to the fact that I only had my left wisdom tooth removed in the past.
Thank you for your response, doctor.

Yuan Yuan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/30

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, 1.
The tap water in Taiwan is filtered and disinfected, so the risk of infection from water entering the nostrils is very low, so there is no need to worry.
2.
The muscle patterns on the left and right sides of the face are not perfectly symmetrical; what you described is a normal physiological phenomenon, so there is no need to be concerned about facial muscle issues.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2020/10/30

More Info

After showering, you experienced water entering your nasal passages, which caused discomfort and raised concerns about potential infections or neurological issues. Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity.

Water Exposure in the Nasal Passages
Firstly, it’s important to note that while water entering the nasal passages can be uncomfortable, the risk of developing an infection from shower water is relatively low, especially if you are using municipal water that has been treated and filtered. The nasal cavity is designed to handle moisture, and the mucous membranes help to trap and eliminate pathogens. However, if you experience persistent discomfort, nasal congestion, or unusual symptoms following water exposure, it may be worth consulting a healthcare professional.

Potential for Infection
In terms of bacterial or parasitic infections, the likelihood of these occurring from water exposure during a shower is minimal. Most pathogens that could potentially cause infections are not typically found in treated water supplies. However, if you have any underlying conditions, such as a compromised immune system or existing nasal issues (like chronic sinusitis), you may be more susceptible to infections. If you notice symptoms such as fever, persistent nasal discharge, or facial pain, it would be advisable to seek medical attention.

Facial Symmetry and Neurological Concerns
Regarding the asymmetry in your facial muscles, it’s essential to understand that slight variations in facial symmetry are common and often normal. The human face is rarely perfectly symmetrical, and many people have subtle differences in muscle tone or structure. The fact that you can still smile and speak normally is a positive sign that your facial nerve function is intact.

If you are concerned about facial asymmetry following your shower, it’s unlikely that the water exposure caused any neurological issues. Facial nerve disorders, such as Bell's palsy, typically present with more pronounced symptoms, including weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, drooping of the mouth, or difficulty closing one eye. If you experience any of these symptoms, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare provider.

Previous Dental Surgery
You mentioned having a wisdom tooth extracted on the left side. While dental surgery can sometimes lead to complications, such as nerve damage, it is unlikely that this would manifest as the symptoms you described after showering. If you have concerns about the extraction site or any lingering effects, discussing these with your dentist or oral surgeon would be beneficial.

Recommendations
1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in your symptoms. If discomfort persists or worsens, or if you develop new symptoms, seek medical advice.

2. Nasal Hygiene: If water exposure is a recurring issue, consider using a saline nasal spray or rinse to help clear any residual water and maintain nasal hygiene.

3. Facial Exercises: If you are concerned about facial symmetry, gentle facial exercises may help improve muscle tone. However, remember that some asymmetry is normal.

4. Consult Professionals: If you continue to feel anxious about your symptoms or if they change, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.

In conclusion, while your concerns are valid, the symptoms you described are likely not indicative of a serious issue. Maintaining good nasal hygiene and monitoring your symptoms should help alleviate your worries. If you have any further questions or if symptoms persist, please reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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