Bronchitis / Allergy to birds

Once a year I go to Forida to visit my son. He has many birds, but one of them is a cockateil. He also has large exotic birds. I read that one of the women said that she was allergic to such a bird. I never blamed it on them. I would alway sget sick with Bronchitis, and then have it for weeks even after I get home. Is this possible? I have it now 6 weeks,and am on an inhaler and a new antibiotic. Hopefully this is the end of it.

Occupational Asthma, Specialist, 9/1/2008, 9/1/2008,

Allergy to birds can happen, but is relatively uncommon. The main problem is from the bloom which covers the feathers, and comes from the preen gland. The droppings can also be a problem if they dry and are inhaled. The most common problem is hypersensitivity pneumonitis (allergic alveolitis in Europe). This can be a fairly serious disease with breathlessness, fever, weight loss but not usually with wheeze. It gets better when away from the bird, and may need other treatment such as steroids. It will recurr when in contact with the bird. Asthma can be due to birds, but is uncommon in my experience. It is also possible to get an infection (psitticosis) from a bird. The bird is often unwell (off its seed, green diarrhoea, weight loss and petechiae on the skin). In the UK the infected birds are usually newly imported from the wild, particularly from south america. This should not recurr once you have had it. Psitticosis can be diagnosed from a blood test (Chlamidia psitticae antibodies) and hypersensitivity pneumonitis suggested by a blood test (antibodies to avian proteins) There are however more people with antibodies than disease (ie the antibodies can be harmless). The link below gives more information. Bird Fancier's Lung

9/1/2008