Emerging and underrecognized respiratory infections in children

Respiratory health in home and leisure pursuits

Many home-based and leisure activities can generate hazardous respirable exposures. Routine domestic activities and a variety of hobbies, avocations, and leisure pursuits have been associated with a spectrum of respiratory tract disorders. Indoor environments present a special risk for high-intensity exposures and adverse health effects. There are important knowledge gaps regarding the prevalence of specific health hazards within and across communities, exposure-response effects, population and individual susceptibilities, best management strategies, the adverse health effects of mixed exposures, and long-term clinical outcomes following exposures. The home environment presents special health risks that should be part of the health assessment.

Pet birds and risks of respiratory disease in Australia: a review

OBJECTIVE

Exposure to birds has long been associated with disease in humans. Three respiratory diseases (psittacosis, allergic alveolitis and asthma) were reviewed in association with pet bird ownership with the aim to clarify the spectrum of avian-related respiratory illnesses.

APPROACH

Nineteen studies were selected for review based on recreational bird exposure in relation to psittacosis, allergic alveolitis and asthma.

CONCLUSION

Literature reveals little consensus on the relationship between pet bird ownership and respiratory illness.

IMPLICATIONS

Future studies should aim to clarify the spectrum of avian-related illnesses, and to direct the dissemination of public health information to clinicians and members of the public who keep birds as pets.