One of my friends that I went to high school with has just become a pharmacist. She posted this link last night on Facebook, so I thought I would investigate it. I’m so glad that I did! I keep my Neti Pot in my shower and dump it upside down to drain in my over-the-showerhead basket when I’m done with it. It gets a run through the dishwasher now and again. I figured it was good enough since nothing drains back in. Well, I might be right on that aspect, but what I didn’t think about could literally kill me!
Are YOU Making Your Neti Pot Dangerous to Your Health?
According to this article published by the ABC affiliate in my home area of Shrevport, Louisiana; two deaths are attributed to the use of sinus washes or neti-pots. The problem isn’t the type of bulb, pot, or device you may happen to use to wash your sinuses with, it’s the type of water. The problem with the water is that most people use tap water and should be using use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water. I know, the next thing people are going to say is, “But I drink water from the tap.” Well, hold on to find out about the difference.
Tap water containing Naegleria fowleri, the so-called brain-eating amoeba is the cause of the two deaths referenced in the article linked above. 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 enters the nose when people irrigate their sinuses with devices such as a neti pot. You cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking water. Naegleria fowleri causes the disease primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue.
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