Redditors Learn About "Bird Fancier's Lung," A Disease People Who Have Prolonged Contact With Birds Can Get When Exposed To Avian Proteins Present In Bird Droppings

If you love birds, then you'll want to know more about this disease

Maryjane

• Published in Animal Stories
• November 29, 2022

Bird fancier's lung (BFL) is a form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It can also be called a bird breeder's lung.

It can result in weariness, anorexia, weight loss, chest pain, fever, a dry cough, shortness of breath, and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (the most serious complication). It is brought on by exposure to avian proteins found in dry dust from bird droppings or feathers of different species.

Granuloma development occurs along with lung inflammation. People who possess a lot of birds or deal with birds are most affected.

Based on symptoms and how they worsen after exposure to avian proteins, BFL can be diagnosed. Radiology can reveal lung damage, which has a distinctive "ground glass" appearance.

Prednisone or other steroid medications may be used to treat BFL in order to minimize inflammation and prevent future exposure to avian proteins. Treatments are frequently highly successful if pulmonary fibrosis has not developed.

Any bird can produce these antigens. BFL could be brought on by pigeon allergies.

Other birds, such as parakeets, cockatiels, budgerigars, parrots, turtledoves, turkeys, chickens, and other birds, may also contain allergens. Feathers used in the bedding might potentially contain antigens.

People who own or work with birds are at risk, as are bird lovers and pet store employees. The only long-term remedy advised is to stay away from avian proteins, which cause BFL.

More Info: Reddit, Wikipedia

Redditor u/some_guy272 has this piece of information to share with the TodayILearned subreddit community

Radiology can reveal lung damage, which has a distinctive "ground glass" appearance

An immunological reaction to ingested allergens from birds leads to BFL. This could be feathers or the dry dust from animal droppings.

Although the symptoms may persist depending on the level of damage already present, this can stop the underlying inflammatory reaction. Here are some of what redditors had to chirp in.

The bird fancier's lung pop

Did he? Off to find out...

Chicken farmers can also get something similar

In severe situations, patients might be advised to permanently leave their homes and get rid of any possessions that have been exposed to avian proteins if they can't be cleaned thoroughly both inside and out. Any infected goods shouldn't be cleaned by the patient.

Before interacting with the patient, anyone who has touched objects that have been around birds should change into clean clothes and wash their hair.

This Redditor's family owns a macaw

This Redditor says that one can also get histoplasmosis from bird dropping dust

This Redditor's grandma died from the disease

It is advised to remove all birds, feather-filled clothing, and sleeping bags, as well as any bedding and pillows, from the patient's residence. In order to prevent future exposure to birds, bird droppings, or anything containing feathers, such as pillows in many hotels, it is also important to wash any soft furnishings, walls, ceilings, and furniture.

Did you know about this disease before now? Drop your thoughts about this information in the comments below.

Maryjane