Are neti pots safe? Health officials issue warning

David Boraks — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:05:47 +0000

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.

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals warning on neti pots.

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Are neti pots safe? Health officials issue warning