For years, scientists have known for years that neti pot users can end up infected with a brain-eating amoeba if they use the wrong kind of water for nasal irrigation. Now, a new study shows that nasal rinsing is linked to another deadly amoeba.
Neti Pots For Nasal Rinsing
Neti pots are known tools for nasal rinsing. They have the appearance of tiny teapots with elongated spouts. In most cases, neti pots are made of plastic or ceramic.
These pots are typically filled with a saline solution. The liquid is then poured through one nostril. As it exits the other nostril, it can drain the pathways of bothersome contaminants and allergens.
The use of neti pots has spiked in the US in the past few decades. This is partially driven by the growing prevalence of respiratory conditions and allergies.
Other nasal rinsing methods include the use of squeezable plastic bottles and specially shaped cups.
Neti Pots Linked to Second Deadly Amoeba
A report was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report details the link between neti pots and other devices for nasal rinsing and Acanthamoeba infections.
The study mainly focused on 10 individuals who got ill between 1994 and 2022. Three of them ended up passing away. How the individuals got infected remained unclear to researchers. However, they noted various commonalities, including the practice of nasal rinsing and having weakened immune systems.
Seven reportedly use nasal rinsing to relieve chronic infections of their sinuses. At least two of them made use of neti pots. Two more patients practiced nasal rinsing as part of the Indian tradition's cleansing ritual.
In reported cases, acanthamoeba has a fatality rate of 85%, showing how dangerous it is. It can naturally be found in the environment, in soil, seawater, lakes, and rivers.
The amoeba can lead to sinus and skin diseases. It may also infect the brain and cause deadly inflammation. It has also been linked to sight-threatening and nonfatal eye infections, sometimes via contact lens solutions that are contaminated.
Tap Water Unsafe For Nasal Irrigation
While officials note that cases are very rare, they may lead to dire and potentially deadly consequences. This is especially the case when one flushes nasal pathways with the usual tap water.
Research has shown that the amoeba is quite common in tap water.
In the US, tap water is treated to pass the safety standards for drinking. However, this water still contains minimal levels of microscoping organisms. This usually does not pose a problem when people cook or drink the water. However, they can pose a greater danger when this tap water is used to serve other purposes, such as nasal irrigation or in humidifiers.
Officials from the CDC cited a 2021 survey that revealed that roughly one-third of adults in the US think that tap water does not have any microorganisms or bacteria. Almost two-thirds also think that tap water can be used for safe sinus rinsing.
However, the US recommends the use of distilled, sterile, or boiled water instead. If one uses tap water, it should first be boiled for at least one minute, or three minutes at elevations that are higher.
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