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- $Unique_ID{BRK01230}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What is "Pigeon Lung"?}
- $Subject{lung pneumonia pigeon respiratory pulmonary system rare diseases bird
- fancier pneumonitis breeders birds allergy hypersensitivity fancier's lungs
- systems breathing breath breathe disease pneumonias pigeons allergies}
- $Volume{H-5, N-5}
- $Log{
- Pneumonia Infected Lung*0015401.scf
- Lobar and Viral Pneumonia*0015402.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- What is "Pigeon Lung"?
-
-
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-
- QUESTION: A lengthy but rambling letter from an old friend has us confused
- about the state of health of a mutual acquaintance, living back up north. The
- letter speaks of "pigeon lung" but we can't find any mention of this condition
- in our home medical advisor. Do you know what she is talking about?
-
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-
- ANSWER: I think so. The disease is also known as "Bird Fancier's Lung" or
- "Pneumonitis of pigeon breeders". It is a type of pneumonia which is seen in
- individuals who breed or care for pigeons. The symptoms of fever, chills,
- cough and difficulty in breathing come on about 4 to 6 hours after exposure to
- the birds, and is believed to be caused by an allergy or hypersensitivity to
- the pigeon. It can be treated with corticosteroids, cortisone like
- medications, and will disappear by itself in many cases if contact with the
- birds is avoided for 12 to 24 hours. If your friend is the owner of these
- animals, it looks like a short lived hobby, for prolonged or repeated contact
- can result in chronic lung disease, certainly too high a price to pay for the
- enjoyment of raising these graceful creatures.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-