INDIANA – The popular practice of using neti pots and other nasal irrigation devices to relieve congestion from colds, allergies, and dry air comes with a warning from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): improper use can increase the risk of infection.
Neti pots, characterized by their long spouts, bulb syringes, squeeze bottles, and battery-operated pulsed water devices, utilize a saline (saltwater) solution to flush out clogged nasal passages, helping individuals breathe more easily. While generally safe and effective when used and cleaned correctly, the FDA emphasizes the importance of following specific guidelines.
A key recommendation from the FDA is to only rinse with distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Eric A. Mann, M.D., Ph.D., a doctor at the FDA, explained that tap water is not safe for nasal rinsing because it is not adequately filtered or treated. It can contain low levels of organisms like bacteria and protozoa, including amoebas. While these organisms may be harmless when swallowed due to stomach acid, they can survive in the nasal passages and cause potentially serious, even fatal, infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Safe Water Options for Nasal Rinsing:
- Distilled or sterile water: This is available for purchase in stores with labels clearly indicating “distilled” or “sterile.”
- Boiled and cooled tap water: Boil it for 3 to 5 minutes, then cool until lukewarm. Previously boiled water can be stored in a clean, closed container for up to 24 hours.
- Filtered water: Water passed through a filter specifically designed to trap potentially infectious organisms. The CDC offers information on selecting appropriate filters.
Beyond water type, the FDA stresses the importance of following the instructions provided with the nasal irrigation device. While nasal spray bottles are suitable for moisturizing dry nasal passages, irrigation devices are more effective at flushing the nose and removing mucus, allergens, and bacteria.
General Instructions for Using Nasal Irrigation Devices:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Ensure the device is clean and completely dry.
- Prepare the saline rinse using either a pre-made mixture or a homemade solution. Plain water should be avoided, as it can irritate the nasal passages. Saline allows the water to pass through delicate nasal membranes without burning or irritation.
- Leaning over a sink, tilt your head sideways so your forehead and chin are roughly level to prevent liquid from flowing into your mouth.
- Breathing through your open mouth, insert the spout of the saline-filled container into your upper nostril, allowing the liquid to drain out through the lower nostril.
- Gently clear your nostrils. Repeat the process on the other side.
- Wash the device after each use and dry the inside with a paper towel or allow it to air dry.
Individuals with compromised immune systems should consult their healthcare provider before using any nasal irrigation systems. It is also crucial to ensure the device is appropriate for the user’s age, as very young children may not tolerate the procedure. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider if nasal rinsing does not relieve symptoms or if symptoms worsen, particularly with fever, nosebleeds, or headaches.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report any problems or adverse events related to nasal rinsing devices to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
