For most individuals with bird allergies, the symptoms are minor and related to allergic rhinitis (hay fever). In many cases, individuals with these symptoms view them as nothing more than a nuisance and consequently never seek treatment. These lesser signs and symptoms usually occur several hours after exposure to bird allergens and include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Black circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)
• Hives
• Coughing
• Breathing difficulties
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Postnasal drip

However, some with bird allergies suffer symptoms that are more significant and potentially threatening to their health. Those afflicted with bird fancier’s lung may experience decreased lung capacity. Symptoms often first appear within two years of regular exposure to birds such as pigeons and budgies. But it can take as long as 10 to 20 years before the first signs appear. Symptoms of the three types of bird fancier’s lung include:

• Acute bird fancier’s lung
• • Coughing
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Chills and fever
    
    
• Subacute bird fancier’s lung
• • Dry cough
  • Progressive breathing difficulties
    
    
• Chronic bird fancier’s lung
• • Dry cough
  • Severe, progressive breathing difficulties
  • Weight loss

Individuals who experience bird-egg syndrome are likely to suffer the symptoms associated with egg allergies, including:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Wheezing
• Coughing

In extreme cases, an egg allergy may provoke anaphylactic shock, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that demands emergency medical attention. Anaphylactic shock is characterized by multi-system allergic manifestations, often including difficulty breathing and a dangerous drop in blood pressure.