Friday - December 16, 2011

quote of the day?

Sometimes when you’ve got a cold or the flue or are suffering from terrible allergies and your nose is blocked up like a brick, the only thing that can open it up is a hose. Well, almost a hose. That’s what a Neti pot is for. They’re these little watering can things you pour up your nose, and the mild saline solution rinses out the mess and let’s you breathe again.

Yeah, they’re kinda gross. Not the sort of thing you’d want to use in public. But they will give you a few hours of relief, and the folks who use them daily think they’re the greatest thing ever.

I’ve got the dangerous modern version, Dr. Mehta’s NeilMed Sinus Rinse. Instead of having to contort yourself into some odd Yoga position known as the reciprocating mongoose to get the water to flow up your nose, the NeilMed device uses a squeeze bottle. For all you old stoners out there who remember the power hitters in the 70s made from plastic mustard bottles, it’s a very similar design. I say that the thing is dangerous because it reguires a gentle hand to use safely. You’re jamming a squirt bottle up your nose, m’kay? Squeeze too hard and you’ll blast out your ears. So go easy.

I don’t use mine every day. Actually, I only use it a few times a year. You get a bunch of little packets to mix into the water that contain salt and baking soda, which helps dry you out and reduces that old sea water up the nose burn. I really should find the thing and start using it again. We have electric heat at our place and it gets so terribly dry here in the winter months. I use distilled water, boiled on the stove, and then left to cool in a covered pan.

Anyway, Darwin claims two more, who should have known better. Always boil the water first ... and [this is VERY important:] then let it cool off before pouring it up your nose. Words to the wise, right?

Two deaths from brain-eating amoeba linked to sinus remedy for colds

A sinus-flushing device used to relieve colds and allergies has been linked to a deadly brain-eating amoeba.

Louisiana’s state health department issued a warning about neti pots - which look like mini watering cans, that are used by pouring salty water through one nostril.

It follows two recent deaths - a 51-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man from the ‘brain-eating amoeba’ Naegleria fowleri.

It is thought the amoeba entered their brains when they used the devices.

Both victims are thought to have used tap water, instead of distilled or sterilised water as recommended by the manufacturers.

Dr Raoult Ratard, Louisiana State Epidemiologist, said: ‘If you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a neti pot, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution.

‘Tap water is safe for drinking, but not for irrigating your nose.’

According to The Department of Health and Hospitals in Louisiana, the amoeba causes the disease primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a brain infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue.

In its early stages, symptoms may be similar to symptoms of bacterial meningitis and can include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck. Later symptoms include confusion, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations.

After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within one to 12 days.

My astute BMEWS readers will surely see what the LA DoHH isn’t telling us ... that the zombie amoeba is living in their drinking water. D’oh!!!  ("D’ohh"??)

Posted by Drew458     on 12/16/2011 at 07:54 PM   
Filed Under: • Miscellaneous •  
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