Has anybody every heard of Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in relation to pigeons or pigeon feces? I have read that it can be caused by cockatiels or other pet birds. Does anybody have any information or first hand experience with this?
Any information or first hand knowledge would be very helpful. Thank you!
Yep. It has quite a few names: Bird Fancier's Lung, Pigeon Lung, Hypersensitive Pneumonitis, Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis... and seems like a few more that I can't think of. Susceptible people can get it from more than just pigeons--some even from feather pillows.
As RodSD said, I have had to become an expert of sorts after developing the disease a couple of years ago.
Strangely, smokers are less likely to develop it than non smokers. but smoking doesn't affect its course once started. As far as I remember children are less likely to develop the condition than adults.
People that keep parrots, budgies etc can get it, as well as people that kep pigeons...and poultry.
If you are worried, the bes thing is to have a blood test to see what sensitivity you have to avian protein. There are several levels of sensitisation, so it can be caught early. My sensitisation is high, I never realised I was becoming ill as I thought my symptoms were a side effect of blood pressure medication. I developed the condition by having pigeons in my bedroom.
The key is early detection. As Cynthia has stated, if you have any suspicion whatsoever about this illness seek medical attention ASAP. There are several tests that can be obtained to help evaluate the situation.
At the very least, if you aren't already doing so, wear a mask of some kind whenever you're around your birds.
Cindy
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