Illinois Injury and Mass Tort Lawyer BlogFDA Issues Warning About Risk of Bacterial Infection from Neti Pot Nasal Rinse Device
When you are suffering from a bad cold or illness, finding a cure to alleviate your symptoms becomes a priority. There are a wide variety of over-the-counter methods available, but one of the most popular products on the market today is a Neti Pot. The Neti Pot is a device that flushes out congested nasal passages and helps people breathe more easily. The device is usually filled with water and a saline solution. The end of the device with a nozzle is inserted into the nostril, and the user then applies pressure to the device to force the water into the nostril and through the nasal passage.
According to a recent report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, Neti Pots may actually increase users’ risks of contracting an infection. In a statement warning consumers about Neti Pots, the FDA said that some tap water used in conjunction with the device can contain harmful bacteria and protozoa, including amoebas. If these bacteria are swallowed, the stomach is capable of killing them. If the organisms enter the nasal passage, however, they can survive and cause a potentially life-threatening infection. The FDA is advising consumers to use sterile or distilled water in Neti Pots in lieu of tap water. They also suggest boiling tap water and allowing it to cool before using it in the Neti Pot. Filtered water or bottled water may also be a viable option. It is also advisable to sanitize the device between uses to prevent cross-contamination or recontamination.
If you experience an infection linked to a Neti Pot, you can report the incident to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Although Neti Pot is one of the most popular brands of nasal rinsing products, there are many similar devices sold under other brand names that pose an identical threat of nasal passage infection.
If you have suffered an injury as a result of a dangerously designed product, you can assert a variety of claims against the manufacturer to seek compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Two common claims asserted in dangerous device cases include strict product liability claims and negligence claims. In a product liability claim, the plaintiff must typically show that the device’s design is unreasonably dangerous or that the manufacturer failed to include appropriate warnings with the device regarding its potential risks. In a negligence claim, the plaintiff must typically show that the manufacturer failed to use due care when designing, manufacturing, and providing warnings with the device.
The specific elements that you must prove in each type of claim can vary from state to state. As a result, it is critical to consult an experienced and knowledgeable dangerous device lawyer to help you navigate your potential claim.
At Moll Law Group, we have provided compassionate, forceful, and dedicated legal counsel to victims throughout the United States, including in Illinois, Florida, Texas, and California. Our product liability lawyers offer a free consultation so that you can learn more about your legal rights and options. To schedule your appointment, call us now at 312-462-1700 or contact us online to get started.
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