The Centers for Disease Control recently connected a link between neti pots and other sinus cleansers to deadly infections such as amoebas found in non-sterile water. Neti pots, a traditional nasal irrigation tool, have been hailed for their effectiveness in clearing the nasal passages, providing relief from allergy symptoms, and aiding in the recovery from sinus infections.
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However, recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shed light on the potential risks associated with nasal irrigation practices, mainly when conducted improperly. A CDC report highlights the cases of ten individuals who developed Acanthamoeba infections following nasal rinsing with neti pots. Alarmingly, three of these cases resulted in death. Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, can cause severe infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, which affects the eyes, leading to pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, and Granulomatous Encephalitis—an infection of the brain and spinal cord characterized by symptoms such as headaches, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, death.”
“However, they can also cause a variety of severe human infections, including granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), an infection of the central nervous system, as well as cutaneous disease, rhinosinusitis, pulmonary disease, osteomyelitis, and disseminated infections. Acanthamoeba amebae cause disease when they enter the body through the eyes, broken skin, or respiratory tract,” the study reads.
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The risk of Acanthamoeba infections is heightened in immunocompromised individuals, who may also develop skin lesions. The CDC’s report reveals a worrying range of infection timelines, with one patient exhibiting symptoms just two weeks after beginning nasal rinsing while others had been using the practice for years. According to PEOPLE, Acanthamoeba is not the only amoeba associated with neti pot use. Infections caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba, have been traced back to untreated tap water in nasal irrigation. The Mayo Clinic advises against using tap water directly for nasal rinsing, recommending distilled or sterilized water instead. If tap water must be used, it should be boiled for several minutes and cooled to a lukewarm temperature before use.
To prevent the risk of invasive Acanthamoeba infections, particularly among those with compromised immune systems, the CDC emphasizes the importance of educating the public on properly preparing water for nasal irrigation. This guidance aims to ensure the safety and health of individuals utilizing neti pots for nasal cleansing, underscoring the critical balance between the benefits of nasal irrigation and the potential dangers of improper use.
