Allergies to down pillows are just one of many household allergies that can cause you discomfort and inconvenience. Household allergies are particularly common in the bedroom, where people tend to shed a lot of dead skin cells and create a lot of dust. One simple way to reduce the discomfort of a down pillow allergy is to switch to a polyester down alternative.
Causes
Like other allergies, a feather allergy occurs when your body's immune system overreacts to typically harmless substances. What most people would call an animal hair or feather allergy is actually an allergy to the animal's dander, the dead skin particles attached to hair and feathers, report the National Institutes of Health. Your allergy causes your body's immune system to release histamine and other immune responses when you touch or breath in the dander. Another possible cause of allergies to down pillows is a dust mite allergy, since the dander in feathers is also a food source for dust mites. Because the allergy is triggered by microscopic particles or organisms rather than the actual feathers, you may have an allergic reaction even if you never come in direct contact with the feathers.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a down pillow allergy are similar to other indoor allergies. You may experience itching, swelling, rashes or hives on the part of your body that was exposed to the down feathers, such as your face, neck or hands. You may also develop a cough, red or itchy eyes, runny nose or sneezing as part of the immune system response to the allergen.
Diagnosis
If you have allergy symptoms, you can find out of you have a specific feather allergy by talking to a doctor, advises physicians at the University of Cincinnati. Your doctor may ask you questions about your symptoms and your home to determine what possible allergens are present in your daily life and may also conduct allergy testing. Both skin testing and blood testing can be used to identify allergies to down and other animal products.
Solution
Although allergy shots are available for people with chronic allergies, the best solution to allergies to down pillows is to remove all down pillows and comforters and replace them with products that have polyester fill. You can also vacuum the area and wash bedding frequently to further reduce dust levels. The NIH notes that breastfeeding may also prevent allergies from developing in young children, since exposure to antibodies through breastfeeding can benefit the immune system overall. Exposure to allergens in infancy may also decrease the chance of developing animal hair and feather allergies later in life.
Considerations
A feather allergy can also compound the symptoms of asthma, atopic eczema and other respiratory and skin conditions. Consider using hypo-allergenic products in the home and minimizing possible allergens if you have an existing manageable condition that might be aggravated by an allergic reaction. People who have allergies to down pillows may also have related animal allergies, including allergies to pets and even wool, states the NIH.
