With so many bird lovers and over 55% of Americans showing a sensitivity to airborne allergens, it's...

1. Understanding Bird Allergies----5 Facts About Bird Allergies
by Debbie Davis
With so many bird lovers and over 55% of Americans showing a sensitivity to airborne allergens, it's
no wonder that allergic reactions to bird dust, dander and feathers happen so frequently. Here is
information that will help bird lovers manage their allergies and keep their feathered friends.
It's not the dander it's what's in it.----Many believe that it is the dander, dust, and feathers that
trigger allergic symptoms. The fact of the matter is that it is the protein in these particles that is the
true allergen. Breathing these fine particles over a prolonged period of time can cause symptoms
that range from mild to life threatening in severity.
Dried fecal material is bad news.-----Cleaning the cage daily reduces the amount of dried fecal
particles that can be sent airborne due to daily activity by the bird and humans. It contains the same
allergen that dander, and bird dust contain, all of which can carry viruses and bacteria airborne.
Most of these viruses have potential to affect birds more than humans, but there are diseases such
as psittacosis that affect humans as well. Thorough and regularly cleaning seems a small price to
maintain the health of both birds and humans.
Symptoms can change.-----There are some people who have been exposed to birds all their lives
without problems. Then suddenly without warning they exhibit very definite signs of being allergic
when in close contact with the bird. This is not totally unheard of, and should this happen, great care
should be taken to avoid more serious health problems.
Wheezing can be a serious problem particularly if asthma is an existing condition. Shortness of
breath and/or a constriction of the throat are all serious symptoms and medical attention should be
sought immediately.
Normal development equals dander.----As long as you have your bird, there will be dander, dust,
feathers, and fecal material. These are all a natural part of your bird's growth and development. So if
your condition is so severe that you are unable to be around the bird, unless you undergo allergy
shots to reduce your sensitivity to the allergen, you will need to limit your time with the bird.
These things reduce allergens.---One of the best ways to reduce the allergens that birds create is to
filter the air. Try using a HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting vacuum that filters the air before
sending it back into the room. The same type of technology is available in air purifiers.
By definition a cleaner that uses HEPA technology must be able to remove 99.97% of airborne
allergens that are.3 microns or greater. This type of filter can easily remove bird dander, dust, dried
fecal material and feathers from your air 24 hours a day in a cost effective way.
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