Allergic to lake water?

Question

Is it possible to be allergic to lake water? Seaweed perhaps? The last eight times I have been on the boat, I get a stuffy nose/draining/sneezing

Answer 1

NOT the water--but something IN the water....or more likely, something growing around the shore.

Answer 2

I have this same problem.  I've had it for probably close to 10 years.  I was raised on Lake Erie and never had this problem as a child.  But then it started happening and got progressively worse.  It happens whenever I swim in the water and get some in my nose/mouth.  This happens in ANY lake (even in Florida).  But does NOT happen in oceans or rivers.  Two years ago I had my tonsils removed and I didn't have any problems since then, until a couple weeks ago.  Now it's happening again.  I happen to be a huge water sports fanatic (jetskiing a LOT, wakeboarding, tubing, boating, swimming, etc) so I'm on the water weekly.  Anytime I go, I'm sick for the following 2 days.  My nose gets stuffed up/runny, my eyes get really itchy, throat/inner ears really itchy, sneezing, etc.  I've taken prescription allergy medication, nothing helps, no matter how much I take.  I want to know WHAT exactly I'm allergic to so I can see if I can take allergy shots for it.

Answer 3

Possible to seaweed. The ocean somtimes has stuff floating on it so that could make you allergic also.

Answer 4

It is very possible, algae in the water makes some people get a stuffy nose and red eyes. My grandpa can't even go in the lake without having that happen to him.

Answer 5

ya