A 43-year-old non-smoker was referred with a 3-month history of malaise, fatigue and breathlessness. Blood avian precipitins were strongly positive. Lung function testing confirmed a restrictive pattern with impaired gas transfer. A ‘ground glass’ mosaic pattern was seen on CT imaging, suggestive of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Although he had no pet birds, on closer questioning he had recently acquired a duvet and pillows containing feathers. His symptoms, chest radiograph and lung function tests improved after removal of all feather bedding, and he was also started on oral corticosteroid therapy. Our case reinforces the importance of taking a meticulous exposure history and asking about domestic bedding in patients with unexplained breathlessness. Prompt recognition and cessation of antigen exposure may prevent the development of irreversible lung fibrosis.
Watch out for 'feather duvet lung' ca... - Lung Conditions C...
Watch out for 'feather duvet lung' caution doctors .
I’ve known. I’ve been allergic to feathers for what seems like for ever.
You also need tobecarefulabout cushions,soft furnishings etc. Feathers can lurk. In the most unexpected items.
Enjoy the day
There a a number of asthmatics in my family. Blankets and eiderdowns were the norm back in the 40s. With hindsight it is probable that that's why they were always having to use their inhalers as pillows and eiderdowns would have been full of feathers.
I have problems with some plastics too. So i bought a feather pillow ! Reacted to not one but two new electric blanket s with night sweats due to plastic covering the wires, we think. (Neither blanket was switched on) Awoke soaked with night sweats that started when old electric blanket wss replaced and stopped when new ones were removed.
React to foam beds too. Stayed at expensive hotel with advertised " "dream beds" and had to sleep on extra duvet! In hospital had to sleep on extra towel.!
Luckily this didnt affect my breathing.
It seems odd to me that feathers are used in pillows, cushions and so on, but maybe that’s because I’ve always been allergic to feathers. I guess they must have good insulation properties. 🦆
I read this article. I am very allergic to feathers, so I have never bought anything but down alternative, that is also hypoallergenic. I had anaphylactic shock from a pillow a long time ago....
Meg
I have a down and feather filled coat; now wondering if I should stop wearing it (?)
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