It’s peak cold and flu season, but before you grab that nasal wash to clear up your stuffy nose, you might want to take a closer look at the label.
Ascent Consumer Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling a single lot of its popular SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash System after tests confirmed the presence of staphylococcus aureus, a dangerous bacteria.
The product is commonly used to rinse nasal passages and temporarily alleviate symptoms of sinusitis, cold, flu or allergies.
The affected batch — with the lot number 024122661A1, expiring Dec. 31, 2027 — was distributed nationwide in January through stores and online retailers. It includes a squeeze bottle and 30 saline packets.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that using the contaminated nasal wash could lead to blood infections, particularly in individuals with nasal injuries or irritation.
The bacteria could cause other serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, including heart infections, splenic abscesses and meningitis. It could also lead to bacterial sinusitis, which could result in eye tissue infections, vision problems and even cranial nerve damage.
No issues have been reported. Meanwhile, Ascent Consumer Products has informed distributors and retailers to stop selling the affected batch.
“Consumers who have this product should discontinue use immediately and return it to the place of purchase or discard it,” the FDA advised in a Tuesday alert. Customers who experience an adverse reaction can report it online.
The Post reached out to Ascent Consumer Products for comment.
The trendy solution to stuffy noses
For many, nasal irrigation or sinus rinsing has become a go-to remedy when congestion strikes.
The technique involves moving saline solution through the nasal passages to flush out mucus, debris and allergens. Tools like Neti pots, squeeze bottles and rubber nasal bulbs push the liquid through one nostril and out the other.
This practice has been around for centuries, with roots likely tracing back to ancient Ayurvedic medicine.
The nasal irrigation device market has exploded in recent years since it’s a simple, inexpensive and drug-free approach to relieving congestion at home.
But it’s not just for the seasonal sniffles. In one study, patients with chronic rhinosinusitis saw a 64% improvement in symptom severity after doing a daily nasal saline rinse.
When used correctly, the side effects of nasal irrigation are generally mild and short-lived, such as a slight burning or stinging sensation in the nose.
However, there is a risk of infection if contaminated water or an unclean device is used, which can easily reintroduce harmful bacteria into nasal passages.