Brain-eating amoeba linked to sinus remedy for colds


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A sinus-flushing device used to relieve colds and allergies has been linked to a deadly brain-eating amoeba.

Louisiana's state health department issued a warning about neti pots - which look like mini watering cans, that are used by pouring salty water through one nostril.

It follows two recent deaths - a 51-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man from the 'brain-eating amoeba' Naegleria fowleri.

It is thought the amoeba entered their brains when they used the devices.

Both victims are thought to have used tap water, instead of distilled or sterilised water as recommended by the manufacturers.

Dr Raoult Ratard, Louisiana State Epidemiologist, said: '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.

'Tap water is safe for drinking, but not for irrigating your nose.'

He added that it is important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.

The very rare infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater lakes and rivers.

In very rare instances, health experts said such infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources, such as from an inadequately chlorinated swimming pool or when people irrigate their sinuses with devices like neti pots.

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Yeah - someone needs to chane edit modes and delete the text font/size tags.

That said - IMO "sinus flushing" should only be done by a physician or nurse using sterile solutions & equipment. Too many ways the untrained can muck it up.

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Was just reading that earlier and I think it's more that the tap water there is to blame than the neti pots. I think something must be wrong with the water treatment system there? I know as a kid I would get water up my nose allllll the time when I would take baths, I imagine it's the same for a lot of other people. Maybe baths/showers/washing your face are bad now too? Heh.

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I've done this for several years and haven't had a serious sinus infection since I started. I used to get them a couple times a year. Guess I'll start boiling my water first now, though.

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I've done this for several years and haven't had a serious sinus infection since I started. I used to get them a couple times a year. Guess I'll start boiling my water first now, though.

^same here but I'll probably stop doing it for awhile after hearing about this. lol

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