Electrolyzed Water Kills Bacteria in Chronic Sinus Infection Patients
- Authors
- R.-S. Jiang, S.-H. Wu, K.-L. Liang, J.-F. Lin, M.-C. Su, W.-K. Chen, F.-J. Lu
- Journal
- European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
- Year
- 2010
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10096-010-0894-2
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Taiwan
- Health Condition
- Chronic Rhinosinusitis
- Body System
- Respiratory
TL;DR
Electrolysed acid water (EAW) was found to be effective in killing bacteria from the nasal discharge of patients with chronic sinus infections.
Key Finding
Electrolysed acid water reduced bacterial growth from nasal samples by 89% compared to standard collection methods and 87% compared to distilled water, performing similarly to 70% alcohol.
Summary
Researchers tested whether electrolysed acid water (water treated with electricity to create acidic properties) could kill bacteria better than regular water when used to rinse the nasal passages of people with chronic rhinosinusitis (a long-lasting sinus infection). They collected bacteria samples from 100 patients and placed them in different liquids—electrolysed acid water, distilled water, alcohol, or a standard collection tube. Electrolysed acid water killed significantly more bacteria than distilled water or the standard collection method, performing about as well as alcohol.
Practical Takeaway
This laboratory study suggests electrolysed acid water may have antibacterial properties useful for nasal irrigation in chronic rhinosinusitis, but the findings are limited to test-tube results with bacteria samples—not actual treatment in patients. More research is needed to determine whether using electrolysed acid water as a nasal rinse would actually improve symptoms or outcomes in people with sinus infections.
Abstract (excerpt)
This study was conducted to determine whether electrolysed acid water (EAW) increased the antibacterial effect of irrigating solution used in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). One hundred CRS patients were recruited from April 2008 to February 2009. Four swab specimens were taken…