Eggasperated Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Over the last few weeks my girls have been moulting and at the same time I seem to have had a clogged throat (sorry if TMI) and have been constantly clearing my throat. Today I cleaned out the house and this evening I'm having a terrible time coughing and my chest feels tight. I've assumed over the last few weeks that it was the weather causing me problems but now I'm beginning to wonder if it's the chicken dander that I'm allergic to. Does anyone know if this is likely and if so what I can do? I've never been allergic to my chickens before so I shall be quite upset if it is that . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I hope it isn't that - there is so many coughs out there at the moment. My doctor told me to wear a mask when I clean them out so maybe that would be an answer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share Posted November 30, 2011 My doctor told me to wear a mask when I clean them out so maybe that would be an answer? Have you had a similar problem chicken bark? Do you actually use a mask every time you clean them out? I did wonder about a mask but it seems a bit extreme as I sweep out the worst of the mess every day as well as a major clean once a week, on the other hand this throat thing is horrible tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 No I don't use a mask but I should really. I did have one and wore it but found it too hot to wear. After I saw the Doctor I dug it out again but the elastic snapped. Next time I'm near Screwfix I'll probably pick some up to show willing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
House MD 221B Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 The usual symptoms that present with an allergy, could include any or all of the following: Also most allergic responses happen within 2 hours but can be within 24 hours of the offending stimuli. Nasal symptoms: Runny, Itchy nose / Sneezing. Eye symptoms: Watery, Sore, Itchy, Swollen, Red eyes. Respiratory symptoms: Itchy, scratchy, chronic sore throat. / Breathing difficulty, Coughing, Wheezing, Asthma-like symptoms. Dermal symptoms: Itchy skin, Skin welts after being scratched by the animal, Eczema, Red Skin, Itchy Genital area. Digestive symptoms: Nausea There are quite a few different bugs going about at the minute, so it could just be one of them, I myself only recently got over a VERY nasty cold / flu like virus that "Ooops, word censored!"bled me for the better part of a month, and I lost nearly 2 stone in weight due to it. So I hope it's not an allergy, but if in doubt see your Doctor and ask him / her to recommend an antihistamine either over the counter or prescription. If you use it and the symptoms subside, then it may well be an allergy, if not then it may just be a cold or other viral infection. In the mean time, try a Mask, and see if handling the chickens results in any itching of the skin or redness. It should be quite localised when it comes to skin, whereas inhalation gets complicated. I hope this is of some use to you. Also I should state that I am NOT a Doctor, and that what I've written is not to be taken as medical advice merely a suggestion as a rough guide. It is NOT a substitute to trained medical advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted December 1, 2011 Author Share Posted December 1, 2011 Definitely respiratory problem, I've had hives and reactions to insect bites before and I have none of these symptoms this time. Whatever it is handling the chickens in the open air doesn't seem to cause a problem but stirring up anything in their house does. Anyway I've bought myself a couple of masks this morning and I'll see what difference that makes - just hope I don't scare the chickens too much . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted December 1, 2011 Share Posted December 1, 2011 Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracyann Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 You might like to try taking some anti-histamines to see if they help, just a couple of days prior to clean out day and after, should help alleviate the symptoms. Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg should be sufficient. (I'm an ex-ear, nose and throat medical secretary).... And it will be worth getting a skin prick test if the symptoms continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tracyann Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 And just had an idea, are you using dust free chicken bedding such as Auboise? I know that the dust from some of the bedding sets me off coughing... Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eggasperated Posted December 3, 2011 Author Share Posted December 3, 2011 I'm currently using Rapport, but I do give it a liberal sprinkling of diatom. I am already finding a difference with just a couple of days of using a mask, but whether it is just a respiratory infection that is clearing up or a reaction to chicken dander I still don't know - I certainly wasn't reacting like this before their moult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted December 4, 2011 Share Posted December 4, 2011 Fingers crossed then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
