If you are allergic to birds then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. The immune system reacts to the allergens fond in the birds skin. This allergen can be found in the dander, saliva, urine or feces of birds. The number of people with allergies to cats and dogs are much higher than the number of people that suffer from bird allergies.



Like all animal allergies, dander will trigger an allergy attack to those who suffer from bird allergies. When bird preens itself or ruffles its feathers, the dander is sent into the air where it can come into contact with the skin or inhaled into the lungs. If you have watched a bird for any length of time you can actually see the dander and small bits of feather leaving the birds body.

When the bird is caged they cannot avoid stepping in their own urine or feces. The allergens can cause a reaction when they come into contact with your skin when handling the bird.

People with allergies to birds have a good chance of being allergic to Eggs. As your body becomes sensitized to the bird allergens, you may react to the ingestion of eggs as well.

Parrot and the parakeet family can cause a severe reaction known as bird-fancier's lung also called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Symptoms include fatigue, a loss of energy, and a slowly progressive shortness of breath. Scar tissue can form in the lungs and the disease, in some cases, has been known to be fatal.

Confining the pet to one room will not help much. Every time the bird flaps it wings the allergens are put into the air and the air currents from forced-air heating and cooling will spread the allergens throughout the house. Consider investing in a HEPA room air cleaner for all bedrooms and in the family room.

Air cleaners can make a really big difference in the severity and frequency of allergy attacks. The central heating system should have an electrostatic air filter to distribute clean air through out the house. These electrostatic air filters trap microscopic allergens.

Cleaning the bird cages often will also help. Dried microscopic dander and the partially decomposed feathers on the bottom of the cage are loaded with bird antigens and should be remove as soon as possible from the environment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.