Can neti pot with boiled water cause amebic infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I used a neti pot with boiled water five days ago. I was impatient to relieve the sinus pressure so used it before it cooled. The water was still hot. Not smart I know, but now I am concerned about the amebic disease associated with freshwater. Should I be concerned?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon, I would advise you to use either normal saline or boiled water after it cools down. Avoid the use of tap water though that is also used by a lot of people. You should not be concerned about an amebic infection. I have not seen or heard of any patients having an amebic infection because of a neti pot.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you can use tap water but mineral water is better. Boil the tap water and cool it down to body temperature. In one glass of water, you can add two pinches of salt to have a better effect.

Regards.