A physician is likely to compile a medical history, conduct a physical examination and ask a patient about symptoms related to a potential bird allergy. Other tests that may be conducted include an allergy skin test (the primary means of diagnosing bird allergies) and a radioallergosorbent test, which looks for the presence of allergy-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the bloodstream.

Most reactions to bird allergies are minor and require little or no medical treatment. Those who suffer symptoms similar to hay fever are likely to see them disappear once they no longer are exposed to the allergen.

However, a physician may recommend over-the-counter or prescription drugs to treat relatively minor symptoms. These include:

• Antihistamines. A group of drugs that block the effects of histamine, a chemical that contributes to the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
  
  
• Decongestants. Medications that shrink swollen nasal tissues, relieving symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion and mucus secretion.
  
  
• Corticosteroids. These anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to treat bird fancier’s lung.

Those who have more significant symptoms may need to be treated with allergy shots (immunotherapy). Allergy shots are a form of allergy and asthma treatment where low doses of an allergen are injected into a patient over a period of time. The goal is to increase the patient’s tolerance to the allergen while reducing symptoms brought on by an allergic reaction. 

A physician is particularly likely to recommend allergy shots for those with bird allergies who have experienced anaphylactic shock. 

It is important to note that individuals who choose to give away their pet birds may not notice a reduction in symptoms for several weeks after the animal is removed. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), it takes about 20 weeks after the removal of a pet for the allergen levels in a home to reach those of a home without animals.