Comments on: Beware the Improperly Used Neti Pot: Brain-Eating Amoebas Could Strike

By: JS

JS — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 21:41:00 +0000

I use it all the time, make sure you use the squeeze bottle and replace it every few months and only use distilled water and all is good. You can get the same parasite from swimming in warm fresh water and from uncooked snails

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 21:39:37 +0000

Two people in LA? Let’s think about how many (millions?) of people neti-pot, and over a loooooong period of time, and we’re concerned about two cases? This seems rare, and I’d like to see more data before making a decision about it.

By: Barb

Barb — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 23:38:45 +0000

I adore my neti pot. I always used warm tap water too until I heard of this and now I buy distilled, heat it in the microwave, add a little salt and voila!

I have boiled tap water too, worked just as well.

By: Erin

Erin — Mon, 28 May 2012 05:56:29 +0000

I WISH I could use a saline spray, except you have to be able to somewhat inhale the saline solution. I’m in nursing school and have heard great things about them. Don’t be dumb.. if you live in an area that has questionable tap water BOIL your water for 20 minutes then just add purified drinking water to cool it down to luke warm. I’ve never been so stopped up in my life and I’m going to finally try the Neti Pot tomorrow.

By: Ranger Jim Kirk

Ranger Jim Kirk — Thu, 24 May 2012 23:41:52 +0000

Me, I stick to OTC saline nasal sprays. Less expensive and it works well enough for me.

By: Cheryle

Cheryle — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:30:48 +0000

I use the Netti Pot alot and have never had a problem. I always use salt water! Glad to know about boiling water….much cheaper alternative. One should blow their nose several times after using.
Also, I just tried the distilled water and it was horrible…burned my nose and made my “cry”. Never again with distilled water!!!

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Wed, 02 May 2012 06:31:20 +0000

I purchased my Neti Pot some years ago and I do not remember reading directions that said to use distilled water. I have used tap water for years. Directions did say to use table salt without Iodine. I certainly followed this direction. I don’t consider myself a moron or idiot. In the future I will use distilled water. Pictures of how to use the Neti Pot showed water coming from the tap. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those that died. To call them idiots or morons is just, too, cold. Do we need to add insult to injury.

By: Leah

Leah — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 19:27:39 +0000

Listen here people my niece died from this horrible amoeba She was only 11 years old, she got it from swimming in a warm fresh water lake in minnesota in 2008, it is very real and It is horrible, just be careful wear nose plugs when swimming in warm fresh water! And Dave if you ever have to watch someone die from this you would not make that kind of heartless comment!! It took her in three days, she went from not feeling well to gone in three days!

By: DAve

DAve — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:42:49 +0000

Don’t be scared you nancies. In the last 10 years, there have been 37 deaths from N. fowleri. Do you know stats? No really scared at all. I shoot tap water up into my sinuses several times a year when allergies get bad. Haven’t died yet.

By: Geack

Geack — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:20:32 +0000

@ 5. Jerry – Bogus how? These people died from brain-eating bugs after pouring unsterile water into their noses. Not much room for confusion there. The fact that it’s rare is what makes it interesting.

@ 10. “Balance this article”? Huh? The article provides some good advice on how to use these things safely. Why would you consider that an attack?