She doesn't tire looking, talking and playing around her favorite bird in that zoo—the canary. Canary is a small finch or kind of tiny bird that is a native to the Canary Islands.



Canary birds have a yellow to greenish color and has long been bred by people and bird collectors around the globe as cage birds.

Back to Melissa, happiness with Canary birds must not be a thing for her because after an hour, a strong discomfort was beginning to ruin her mood. She started coughing and itching until she could no longer take it.

Later, the physician who attended to her concluded that she has, yes, you have guessed it right, Canary allergy.

What is Canary allergy?

Canary allergy is no different from your usual bird allergy. It is brought about by the retaliation or defensive reaction of your body's immune system to allergens from birds or Canaries that gets through the system through feather dust or dander and through droppings or fecal matter.

Because Canary birds are cage birds that could not freely fly, expect that its feathers are very much loaded with these irritating dusts that may cause allergic reactions.

Exposure to Canary birds' dusts and allergens will bring about bird allergy symptoms within minutes, hours, or at very rare occasions days, which make diagnosing harder unless the patient volunteers the information.

Symptoms of Canary allergy

Like bird allergy, Canary allergy is also characterized by simple allergic reactions or symptoms including postnasal drip, stuffy nose, hives, coughing, itchy eyes, sneezing, watery or teary eyes and sore throat.

Canary bird allergies may not be that fatal but the onset of its symptoms will surely cause a great discomfort to the patient. Failure to address or address severe attacks or symptoms can also lead to serious complications which can be fatal or deadly if untreated or unattended.

In very sensitive individuals, Canary allergy is also accompanied by fever and chills.

Treatment for Canary Allergy

Canary allergy is a chronic attack that can cease by its own even if you do not take in any medication. Most often, the simple treatment recommended to people exhibiting canary allergy symptoms is to make that person get farther or away from Canary birds around.

It is a practical treatment because constant and continuous exposure to the bird that causes the allergy will surely keep the onset of the allergic reaction.

Doctors also prescribe little doses of antihistamines (drugs that treat simple allergies), decongestants (drugs that unblocks breathing areas or treat swollen nasal areas) and corticosteroids ( anti-inflammatory drugs).

Avoiding Canary allergy

Hygiene of course, is the most basic and effective measure to counter potential Canary allergy attacks. Always wash your hands even if you are not eating. Clean the surroundings and make sure there are no Canary bird feathers or droppings around especially if you have those birds at home.

If you are allergic to Canary birds, just like if you have allergies to other substances, be sure to always keep your room well-ventilated by opening windows or turning on air conditioners to an optimal temperature.

If you have Canary birds at home and there is no way you will be disposing them, there are measures that could help you avoid the onset of Canary allergy. First, make sure the Canaries' cage is clean and tidy.

Do not overcrowd the cage because that will cause the Canaries to fight and play around often, spreading their feathers around.

Make sure that area in the house where the Canary birds' cage is placed is properly ventilated. Buy an air purification system to make sure the air you breathe around your house is free from any allergen that may trigger another Canary allergy attack.