The best way to prevent bird allergies is to avoid birds as much as possible, so that one does not become sensitized to a bird allergen.  Avoidance is also the most effective way of controlling bird allergy symptoms. However, this is not always possible or desirable. Those who have pet birds often find it hard to part with the animals. People with bird allergies who are unwilling to give up their pets can take several steps to reduce their exposure to the offending allergen, including:

• Always washing hands after handling the bird. Hands should be kept away from the eyes, nose and mouth until they are clean.
  
  
• Using a damp mop or electrostatic dust cloth to regularly clean walls, furniture and flooring.
  
  
• Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dander from carpets and rugs. HEPA filters are also available for heating and air conditioning units.
  

  

• Keeping rooms well–ventilated by opening windows when possible.
  
  
• Making sure the bird’s home is in a room other than the bedroom.
  
  
• Having someone who is not allergic to birds clean the bird's cage, an area where allergens tend to build up in great concentrations. If this is not possible, wear a particle dust mask when cleaning the bird cage and do not shake the cage while cleaning.

Bathing a bird to get rid of dander (feather dust) is not a good solution. Not only is frequent bathing likely to traumatize the bird, but it also ultimately results in drier skin and increased dander production.

Similarly, those who work with birds and suffer avian-related allergies would do best to find an alternative career. However, if that is not an option, they should take the following steps to reduce exposure to bird dander:

• Keep bird cages clean
• Avoid cage overcrowding
• Provide proper ventilation
• Use an air purification system

It is important to note that these steps alone may not be enough to prevent symptoms in severe cases of disorders such as bird fancier’s lung. In such situations, only a complete avoidance of the allergen is likely to arrest symptoms.

Bird feathers recently have been at the center of a great debate – whether or not those with allergies and asthma should use feather–based pillows, duvets and comforters.

For years, conventional wisdom argued that those with allergies or asthma should steer clear of feather–based sleeping products, and instead use synthetic or polyester alternatives. However, recent evidence has indicated that dust mites are able to more easily penetrate the pores of synthetics than feathers. As a result, synthetic sleeping products have higher concentrations of dust mites than those that are feather-based, according to these studies.

Many experts now argue that those with dust mite allergies should use feather-based products, while those with bird allergies should use synthetics. However, the debate continues. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) recommends that individuals with bird allergies avoid feather-based pillows and comforters. When not possible, patients should encase the pillow or comforter in an "allergy proof" cover with a zipper so the feathers cannot escape and trigger symptoms.

Some people with bird allergies may benefit from allergy shots (immunotherapy), in which low doses of a bird allergen are injected into a patient over a period of time. With each shot, the patient’s tolerance to the allergen is increased. This usually leads to a reduction of symptoms and/or fewer allergic reactions to bird allergens. However, allergy shots do not work for everyone and may not be appropriate for some patients.