Recently, two deaths from the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri have been warned to link to use of neti pots. Warns the Louisiana Department of Health about the risk of brain-eating amoeba in a neti pot.
Both deaths came after the victims irrigated their sinuses with neti pots filled with tap water. No matter what the linked causes are, it came out that those who are using neti pots to clean and clear the sinuses should be aware of how to use a neti pot in right way and prevention the risk.
Things to remember
Even water that is safe to drink may not be safe to pour through your nose. Therefore, the pots should be filled with sterile water — either distilled water, or previously boiled water — with a small amount of non-iodized salt added according to instructions. The use of sea salt is not recommended as it is sometimes too strong and may irritate.
The best instructions to use a neti pot without danger
1. Prepare the Saline Solution: fine table salt and warm water are prefered to too hot or too cold water as they will not irritate your nasal passages. You may prefer to use bottled water if your local water supply is too hard or has chemicals or an unappealing taste.
2. Nasal Cleansing is best done as part of a regular hygiene routine. As you will have saline water flowing and mucus being discharged, it is best to practice this process over a sink or basin.
3. After use, simply wash out the pot with warm water and dish soap and rinse away all soap and other residues. We have made our device out of sturdy food-grade porcelain so that it is dishwasher safe if you prefer.