I know I've seen PamH write about reacting to water and my local doc also mentioned it. Here's my experience thus far...

After my initial appointment with my local doc, when he said I should *never* drink tap water again, I went out and bought a ton of bottled water. For about a week, I only drank it and no tap water and didn't notice a difference and started thinking that it probably wasn't a trigger for me. So, I went back to tap water.

Now, after getting some more of my symptoms under control, I'm noticing that after I down a glass of tap water to take my cromolyn sodium, I often feel mildly wheezy, itchy, tight, and stuffy in my throat/nasal areas, so I'm reconsidering water as a trigger.

Previously, when purchasing bottled water, I bought Dasani. It has added minerals (or added *somethings* - I can't remember what right now). Maybe I didn't notice any improvement in symptoms because I was also reacting to the added stuff in Dasani. And, I don't always react when I drink tap water, so that adds another fun factor to the mix!  

Long story short, I'm wondering what brands of bottled water others might've had success with because I think I might give it another shot. PamH? Anyone?

Also, my local doc said to stay away from water bottles made from polyethylene (like the jug kind with the handle you can get at Walmart for around a dollar) because they can trigger symptoms. I had a good laugh with my husband after that appointment when we got my Gastrocrom filled: I read on the insert that the ampules are made from polyethylene.    This doc made several questionable statements during my appointment, so I don't know whether this is valid info. Just thought I'd share the ongoing humor I try to find in MCAS.  

Rather than dealing with the expense and waste and plastic issues of bottled water, have you considered getting a filter?  I've been thinking of getting a whole house filter, but as it is I have a filter on the shower and one in the refrigerator, and that's the only water I drink.  I fill my own reusable water bottles when going out somewhere.  My aunt has a filter under her kitchen sink, with it's own small spigot (where a sprayer might go on the sink) just for the filtered water.  Sure, a high quality filter still isn't as good as reverse osmosis, but it's definitely as good or better than most of the commercial bottled water you can buy.

Actually water is one of my biggest triggers I get major rashes and flushing, shortness of breath and always have to medicate before a bath or shower. I am also very sensitive to bottled water so I have filters on all of my taps at home. In my case it has made a noticeable difference. I also have POTS/Hypovolemia so staying hydrated is crucial but it is even harder now with all of the antihistamines...I am really struggling....I just started with coconut water and find it is good as an alternative to the yucky gatorade

Bren

Thanks, everyone, for your responses!

Lori, we have well water, too. Unlike you, we don't have a softener or any filter. We have safe (well, "safe" for average people!), delicious water without those, fortunately. I'm glad you found a water source that works for you! And, good tip about keeping the containers out of the heat.

Kat, yes, I agree that filters would be less wasteful than bottles. We recycle and I hate to generate waste/recycling. And, I'm glad to hear that filters work for you! However, like Pam, I had read that problems with filters can occur. I just can't deal with installing a filter system that could cause more problems right now. I'm *hoping* bottled water will be a short term help and that I can return to the tap after I get my symptoms better managed, overall.

Marcia, great thought about rinsing your glass before drinking! I'd wondered awhile back about dishwashing detergent residue. Maybe I should give that another thought!

Bren, I have POTS, too! I have the hyperadrenergic type. However, after seeing Dr Afrin and doing so much reading about MCAS, I think, for me, POTS symptoms are a manifestation of my MCAS. When first diagnosed with POTS, I salt and water loaded (soooo much salt and 2.5-3 L of water/day). In my case, it never did a thing to help. It is tough to manage. If you're seeing improvements from it, hang in there. And, if you're salt loading, too, and need any ideas on how to get it all in, I can PM you what helped me if you'd like!

Pam, distilled without minerals is what I thought I'd read in one of your posts. I'm going to try it. I'm glad to hear the milk jug, in controlled temps, has worked out for you, too. Thanks!

Hi pepper

I just keep a glass jar of fresh squeezed lemon juice in the fridge and re-use it until it starts smelling less lemony. Probably for 2 weeks. I use it to rinse my blender too.

I've gotten some great info here. Thanks for starting this.  

I have interstitial cystitis, and many of the bottled waters have too many minerals that "burn" my bladder.  The only one I drink is Aquafina after someone suggested it on the IC forum I was frequenting.

I react to any water that has minerals added but I have good luck with Aquafina.  I have even found that you can take your water through airport security if you tell them that you need it to take your medications.  TSA will test it (without adding anything to it) and let you keep it.