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Shower Tips: We all use shower every morning to feel fresh. But do you know that the shower with which you take bath every day can become a threat to your lungs?

A recent research has revealed that millions of bacteria and fungi are present inside the shower head and pipe, which can enter the body through water and air.

Dangerous microbes are hidden in the shower head

The pipes and shower head remain wet and hot for several hours after taking a shower. This environment becomes the most favorable place for bacteria to grow. A sticky layer (biofilm) forms inside the wet pipe, which is home to microorganisms. When you turn on the shower in the morning, this layer suddenly dissolves in the water and spreads into the air.

According to studies, millions to crores of bacteria can be present per square centimeter on the surface of the shower. Most of these are not harmful, but some like mycobacteria and Legionella pneumophila are extremely dangerous. These can cause serious lung diseases like Legionnaires’ disease.

Who are at greater risk?

Generally, these bacteria are not a threat to everyone, but they can be very harmful for some people, people with weak immunity, the elderly, those who are already sick or suffering from respiratory diseases. For this reason, hospitals and health care centers have strict rules for regular cleaning and disinfection of shower heads.

According to a study, where the amount of mycobacteria in the shower head was high, more cases of NTM (non-tuberculosis mycobacteria) infection of the lungs were also found.

Take these precautions before bathing

• After turning on the shower, let the water flow for 1-2 minutes, so that the bacteria accumulated in the pipes come out.
• Take a shower with hot water, as this destroys bacteria like Legionella.
• Clean the shower head regularly by soaking it in hot water or lemon juice.
• Keep the bathroom ventilation on, so that the fungus and bacteria present in the air can be reduced.