Bird fancier’s lung

This is a condition in which there is inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs (the alveoli). It is caused by an allergic response to bird droppings. Repeated and prolonged exposure to the mixture of dust and bird droppings is necessary, so this condition is usually found in people who are keeping birds in confined spaces.

It is marked by cough, shortness of breath, sweating, sore throat, headache, and nausea. It can come on acutely, or be present in a more chronic form during which the lung damage is progressive. It is classed as an occupational disease. The risk of developing the condition can be reduced by introducing good ventilation into the areas where the birds are kept and by spraying the droppings with water, preventing them from becoming airborne.

Further information

Pigeon Lung

This article published on
04 December 2005

Next review date 12/1/2013

Categorie(s)

Infections

Areaof the body

Respiratory

Male or female?
Both