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 ameba 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 ameba. 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 ameba 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?
Hello.  Firstly, do not worry at all. Please let me know exactly how many days have passed after the exposure. Also, know these facts: Revert to me when you feel like. Thanks. Have a great day. For further doubts kindly consult an ENT otolaryngologist online -->