Inhaled mold spores and particles from bird droppings and feathers (such as from parrots) can cause allergic reactions in the airways and lungs. For example, when the fungus Aspergillus causes an allergic reaction in the airways, the condition is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Affected individuals usually have asthma. Treatment involves opening the airways with bronchodilators and decreasing inflammation with steroids over a prolonged period of time. When the lung tissues develop an allergic reaction to inhaled bacteria, fungi, or bird particles, the condition is called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This condition is differentiated from acute asthma by the lack of wheezing, the presence of a fever, and the pattern of pneumonia on the chest X-ray. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is treated by avoiding the allergens and taking steroids.
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