Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Allergy Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to airbourne allergies, eye allergies, shots, anaphylaxis, asthma, children's allergies, hives, insect stings, rhinitis, sinuses, and allergies to drugs, foods, and pets.
Bird Keeper's Lung
by tybz234, May 17, 2006 12:00AM
I keep 10 parrots in an aviary as pets. I have had allergies all my life and was retested last year. Came back positive for allergies to "feathers". I have read about a condition called - Bird Keeper's Lung.
I am worried that my allergy to birds (i suffer no symptoms around them actually) could lead to this in the future. How real is the possibility? Is there damage going on that I don't know about? Should I seek an evaluation? I am 44 female non-smoker.
Thank you.
I am worried that my allergy to birds (i suffer no symptoms around them actually) could lead to this in the future. How real is the possibility? Is there damage going on that I don't know about? Should I seek an evaluation? I am 44 female non-smoker.
Thank you.
Post Comment
I'm not aware that there's any specific tests for this condition. The cause of many bird allergies, from what I gather, is usually from Cockatoos and African Grays which make a lot of dust for their feathers. I'm prone to allergies and while I love cockatoos, I don't think I can ever get one because I'd probably develop allergies to it. I've had my sun conures for 9 years now and have not turned allergic to them.
Maybe you could wear a mask when you clean up after your birds to help. I'm assuming you went to an allergist for that test. Perhaps ask him/her for suggestions. Good luck!