Can people be allergic to cockatiel?
There are so many people all over the world that suffer from many types of allergies. This is due to the immune system reacting to foreign substances to your body. Moreover, there are individuals who may be allergic to plants, food, as well as animals.
Since animals carry a certain dander, this can result in allergic reactions to some people.
So, if you are wondering if cockatiels can cause allergies, keep reading to find out more about this topic.
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Can You Be Allergic To Cockatiel?
The short answer to this question is yes – it is possible for cockatiels to cause allergies. There are some properties in their dander that can trigger some kind of allergic reactions in some individuals.
What dander does is cause the immune system to produce antibodies once an invader in the body is perceived as a threat. Once the feather’s shaft breaks down, this triggers dust to accumulate – and this is what dander is. Moreover, dander can have some dust mites that collect between each feather of your cockatiel.
Allergic reactions vary from one person to another. However, the most common ones include sneezing, sinus headaches, skin rashes, congestion, and in others, digestive problems. Now, when the allergic reaction is so intense, this can result in chronic discomfort in certain people. This is typical among folks with cat or dog fur allergies, but may also be possible with cockatiel feather allergies.
However, this does not mean that you can never live with your pet bird. There are always some things you can do to make sure that you can minimize these allergic reactions. Keep reading to learn more – and to know for sure if you are allergic to cockatiel or not.
Signs That you May Be Allergic To cockatiel
First, let us have a look at the most common signs of allergies to cockatiels. Here are among the typical symptoms to watch out for:
- Runny nose
- Itchy and/ or puffy eyes
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Allergic shiners or dark circles under your eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Fever
- Persistent cough
- Sinus pressure
- Chill
While these are common symptoms of cockatiel allergies, they may also indicate a few other immune sensitivities. This is why it is not recommended to self-diagnose, especially if you are not even allergic to a cockatiel. It is also possible that you are allergic to something else that is present in your home.
Thus, the best way to determine if you really are allergic is by consulting an immunologist and getting yourself tested for your allergies. This specialist can help to diagnose and address such issues.
Cockatiel Allergies – Can This Be Possible?
Basically, cockatiels may be hypoallergenic when the bird’s feathers are not triggering any allergic reactions to you at all. But then again, there are some instances when cockatiel dust can cause some allergic reactions.
For instance, bigger birds tend to have more dander. But some large birds can also be hypoallergenic such as Macaw, Parrot, Toucans, and so on.
But do keep in mind that there is not a huge chance that you can get seriously ill because of a cockatiel allergy – if you have one. Yet, you can suffer from certain discomfort, especially if your allergy symptoms happen daily.
If you have puffy or itchy eyes, then you may also be suffering from other problems such as a bacterial or fungal infection. You may also have dry eyes, which means that this symptom cannot be blamed on your cockatiel.
Some folks may also have blepharitis, which is an eye inflammation. This can also trigger puffy eyes. You need to get your eyes checked first and other symptoms involved such as dry eyes and itchy eyes before blaming it on a cockatiel allergy.
Some people may suffer from sinus pressure, nasal congestion, headaches, and stuffy nose. These symptoms usually happen all at the same time, and it is important to mention that these do not always mean you are allergic to your cockatiel. Take note of other potential allergens in your home that may be causing these symptoms.
Or, it may also be possible that you have a cold or your body is adjusting to seasonal changes. So, you may want to determine the real cause of these issues instead of assuming that it is your pet bird.
Relieving Allergy Symptoms
If you experience some allergic reactions to your bird’s feathers or even its cage, then it is time to take action and follow some steps.
For example, you can take some over the counter medicines that can help with your allergies. But for more severe symptoms, you may want to consult a specialist for better treatment options. There are also natural or holistic remedies for allergies that are worth looking into.
In addition to these, you can keep your home free from dander and continue caring for your beloved cockatiel.
For example, you should make it a point to clean your pet’s cage regularly. Dirt, mold, and debris can trigger allergy symptoms, so you should never allow these to accumulate in your pet’s cage.
Ask for assistance from another person to clean the cage, especially when you have allergies to dander.
Moreover, avoid placing the bird cage in the bedroom. If you are really allergic to dander, then you would not want the cage in your sleeping area.
If you have a vacuum cleaner that comes with a HEPA filter, this is even better. This way, you can really get all the allergens out of your home.
And lastly, avoid touching your face after petting your cockatiel. By doing so, you can prevent the spread of dander in your nose, eyes, and so on.
Read More: Cockatiel Eggs Not Hatching? Find Out Why!
Conclusion
Some people claim to be allergic to cockatiel because of the many other symptoms they experience. But it is important to diagnose these symptoms properly instead of instantly assuming it is due to a cockatiel.
Furthermore, there are some things you can do to prevent the spread of dander in your home, which we have mentioned in this post. Then, you can relieve such symptoms and avoid uncomfortable allergic reactions with you and your family.
