Amebic meningoencephalitis is a very complicated thing to say. It’s also a very complicated diagnosis that boils down to a brain-eating amoeba. Typically, people become infected by swimming in contaminated lakes, rivers, or hot springs, where the offending microorganism lives. In 2018, a case of amebic meningoencephalitis discovered in Washington state was attributed to nasal irrigation. This could create a great deal of panic and avoidance of the irrigating practice. It doesn’t have to. here, we discuss what patients need to know about cleansing the nasal passages with devices like a neti pot.
Hygiene is Everything
Nasal irrigation is not bad. Many doctors still believe there can be more benefits to this practice than risks. However, there is a need to understand proper hygiene when using a nasal irrigation device if these risks are to be decreased. According to one poll, 48% of patients who used a nasal irrigator put tap water into their device. The 2018 case of amebic meningoencephalitis that we mentioned involved nasal irrigation with tap water that had been filtered through a store-bought system. These systems are limited in what they filter from water.
To irrigate most safely, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:
- Never irrigate with tap water alone, even if filtered.
- Boil tap water for at least one minute. Cool the water, then insert it into the irrigation device.
- Store-bought distilled or sterile water can also be used.
- Soap and water can be used to clean the irrigation device. Rinsing needs to be thorough to remove the detergent.
- Some irrigation devices can be placed in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute. The blast of energy destroys bacteria.
- Irrigation devices must be allowed to air dry and must be thoroughly dried in between uses.
- A Betadine solution can be used once a week to sterilize the nasal irrigator.
- Devices need to be replaced every three months.
Nasal irrigation is often used for the relief of chronic sinus problems, but additional options exist. If you want longer-lasting relief from chronic sinusitis, explore treatment options like balloon sinus dilation. Call our St. Louis office at 314-450-7720 to schedule a consultation.
