HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Possibilities Of Contracting Brain Eating Amoebas From Tap Water In Neti Pot?

default
Posted on Wed, 8 Jan 2014
Question: Hi, I just bought a Neti Pot and, unfortunately, used tap water for my first rinse. I then noticed online about several people having contracted brain eating amoebas from using tap water in Neti Pots. Is there anything I can do at this point such as re-rinse with sanitized water or put polysporin in my nose or take some antibiotics? Am I in great danger? Also, I live in Missouri and the water has been cold here for some time if that has any bearing.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sriram Nathan (1 hour later)
hello and welcome to health care magic, I am assuming that you have a ceramic Neti pot and all you have to do now is that take some hot water and rinse out the pot nicely and also a couple of drops of betadine or any other mouth gargle which will make sure that the pot gets very cleaned. After you clean the pot you must allow it to completely dry and then use it. Don't worry about the amoeba but of course make sure that you use good clean water only as the water has to flush out your sinuses and it definitely must be clean. The cold climate has no direct bearing on the pot but make sure you do get nice clean and warm water to rinse Hope this clears your doubts and hope the pot clears your sinuses! any other doubts do get back to me regards Dr Sriram Nathan
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sriram Nathan

ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 1028 Questions

Ask a specialist now
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Are The Possibilities Of Contracting Brain Eating Amoebas From Tap Water In Neti Pot?

hello and welcome to health care magic, I am assuming that you have a ceramic Neti pot and all you have to do now is that take some hot water and rinse out the pot nicely and also a couple of drops of betadine or any other mouth gargle which will make sure that the pot gets very cleaned. After you clean the pot you must allow it to completely dry and then use it. Don't worry about the amoeba but of course make sure that you use good clean water only as the water has to flush out your sinuses and it definitely must be clean. The cold climate has no direct bearing on the pot but make sure you do get nice clean and warm water to rinse Hope this clears your doubts and hope the pot clears your sinuses! any other doubts do get back to me regards Dr Sriram Nathan