Bird allergy is an overreaction of the body’s immune system to proteins in the bird’s skin and dander, feathers, saliva, fecal matter, and urine. Signs of allergy to bird are the same as other allergies:

Birds can also make people very ill, and this is a much more serious allergy, caused by inflammation in the bird owner’s lungs, which is why it is known as bird fancier’s disease.  How can you tell the difference between bird fancier’s disease and asthma that is triggered by birds?  Sometimes it is hard and may require labs and pulmonary function tests to do so, but muscle pain, weight loss, fever and chills is generally not part of allergic asthma from birds.  This is rare but can be life-threatening so seeking medical care early is important.

If you like me, love birds, you will be happy to know that bird allergy can be combatted:

  • Offer your bird a bath daily
  • Keep your bird’s allergies under control! Birds get skin conditions too and they can have environmental allergies.  Here again, when they are shedding more, there is more bird allergen and more allergies for you.
  • Consider getting an air purifier or modify your air conditioning units to have an air purifying unit attached.
  • Change your home HVAC filters regularly.
  • Vacuum and clean up the bird dander, dust, and feathers.
  • Keep your bird out of your bedroom.
  • Consider trying the over-the-counter allergy medication.
  • Wash your hands immediately after touching your bird and before touching your face
  • Change your bird cage daily.
  • When you clean up after your bird and clean the bird’s cage, use a face mask.
  • Consider changing carpet and draperies, which hold dust and allergens, to hardwood floors and blinds, which do not hold allergens as well and are easier to clean.
  • Consider using a bird spray designed to moisturize your bird’s skin, thus preventing excess shed of its allergens.

If you would like a bird but have not gotten one yet, consider:

  • Getting a hypoallergenic breed. Remember, hypoallergenic is not nonallergenic so test the breed out before you fall in love with him/her.
  • Avoid breeds that are “highly allergic”.
  • Avoid breeds that are high shedders.
  • Avoid breeds that have a tendency for dermatitis and skin conditions. If he/she develops one, it may mean you are both miserable.

How can you be sure of your bird allergy?  Maybe it’s the dog or the cat!  Your primary care doctor can order a blood test or an Allergist-Immunologist can order a skin test, not only to bird, but all the other allergies they may be bringing in.

If you would like to be tested for your allergies or believe you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, Dr. Wendt and the staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help.

Don’t wait any longer!  You deserve to be Relieve-d.  If you would like to be tested for your allergies or believe you might be a good candidate for allergen immunotherapy, Dr. Wendt and her staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help.

Dr. Wendt is a nationally recognized, board-certified Allergist-Immunologist and a best-selling author of What’s Eating Our Kids?  A Parent’s Guide to Food Allergy, Intolerance, and Toxicity

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, DC Ranch and Grayhawk at 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, on the corners of Deer Valley and Scottsdale Roads, and has convenient evening and early morning hours to accommodate your schedule.

Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Insurance plans accepted. Call 480-500-1902 today to schedule an appointment now and begin your allergy testing and treatment with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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