With cold and virus season upon us, many people complain about sinus congestion and pressure and turn to their neti pots. But, a recent story out of Seattle may make you rethink how you are doing these sinus rinses.
A 69-year old woman from Seattle had been treated for months by her physician for chronic sinus infections, including antibiotics and nasal rinses. She developed new seizures, had a CT scan which showed a ring-shaped lesion, and then had brain surgery. During the surgery, doctors found a rare brain abscess caused by an amoeba called Balamuthia Mandrillaris.
Doctors think the brain abscess was caused by her sinus rinses which she was doing incorrectly by using water out of the tap filtered by a Brita water filter rather than sterile water.
What is sinusitis and how do you treat it?
Millions of people every year develop sinus infections. This is when the sinuses and nasal cavity become full of mucus. This can cause congestion, sinus pressure, headaches, teeth pain, runny nose, or even bad breath. Approximately 90 percent of the time, these are caused by viruses. The first treatments are decongestants like pseudoephedrine, antihistamines or nasal sinus rinses. If the symptoms persist for more than 10 days, a person starts to have fevers, or symptoms get worse not better, the sinusitis may become a bacterial infection. In cases of bacterial infection, we may prescribe antibiotics.
How do you use a neti pot?
A neti pot can help break you the thick mucus which is clogging up your sinuses and nose. When you are using a neti pot, follow these steps:
1. Make sure you use sterile water, which does not have any bacteria, viruses, fungi or amoebas in it. Bottled water may not be sterile, so you need to boil the water and then let it cool to lukewarm temperature or use a special filter for the nasal rinses.
2. Mix in the solution.
3. Tilt your head to one side.
4. Pour the solution into one side of the nose and let it drain out of the other side.
5. Switch sides and repeat the process.
6. Make sure when you are done, you thoroughly wash out the neti pot and let it dry.
There have been case reports of other bacteria and amoeba getting into the bloodstream, and ultimately through the blood-brain barrier and into the brain. Although very uncommon, it can cause meningitis, brain abscesses or infections. Again, VERY rare! But something to keep in mind. This is why it is so important to use sterile water.