ENT4Me

Neti Pot Deaths Linked to Brain-Eating Amoeba in Tap Water Just a reminder that improper use of a simple home sinus remedy can have deadly consequences. Understand that this complication is extremely rare and unlikely to occur in most areas of the country. Groundwater contamination of the water supply likely lead to these unfortunate events. This organism generally only causes severe sinus problems when water is forced high into the nose when diving in contaminated water. I cared for a very sick teen with a similar infection while in training. It took several sinus operations and brain surgery to remove infectious cysts and he was fortunate to survive. Scary stuff. On a more practical note, regular cleaning/disinfection of your neti pot or flush bottle is vital for safe nasal irrigation. A recent study showed high rates of pseudomonas contamination of neti pots over several weeks time without regular cleanings. It is my professional opinion, however, that sinus irrigations have prevented more lie-threatening infections than they have caused!