Neti pots have become a popular remedy for colds and sinus congestion, but health officials are warning people to use them properly in the wake of recent deaths. For some, the thought of rinsing one’s nose is enough of a deterrent from using a neti pot. But the problem is not the idea of washing your nose – it’s what kind of water you use. In two widely reported cases last year people used tap water, instead of distilled or sterilized water and wound dying of of water-borne brain-eating amoeba.
The specific amoeba causing problems is called naegleria fowleri. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals cited two cases in Louisiana in which people who used neti pots improperly later died from the amoeba. The department said in a warning:
Naegleria fowleri infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater lakes and rivers. In very rare instances, Naegleria fowleri infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated tap water less than 116.6 degrees Fahrenheit) enters the nose when people submerge their heads or when people irrigate their sinuses with devices such as a neti pot. You cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking water.
“If you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a neti pot, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution,” Louisiana State Epidemiologist, Dr. Raoult Ratard, said in the warning. “Tap water is safe for drinking, but not for irrigating your nose.” It’s also important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry, the warning said.
RELATED LINKS
Dec. 19, 2011, NPR.org, “Second Net-Pot Death from Amoeba Prompts Tap-Water Warning.”
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals warning on neti pots.
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Actually most tap water is safe. Suspect Louisiana victims used natural pond water. Two problems: a. Neti and squeeze have flow back; the contaminated mucus flows back into the spigot and where the bacteria multiply and cause infection on next use. Two studies showed infection within two weeks even when patients were careful of cleaning. Second problem is pressure may be too high and force infected material into healthy areas. Avoid the need for irrigation by restoring good cilia movement; natural cilia movement moves bacteria and dust out of your nose and sinus.