Psittacosis – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, June 13, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Psittacosis is the name of an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia psittaci.

The disease is contracted from caged psittacine birds such as lovebirds, parakeets, and parrots. Psittacosis can also be contracted from poultry processing plants.

An individual contracts the disease once bacteria enter the human body through the inhalation of infected air. The disease can also spread if an infected bird bites a person.

The incubation period of psittacosis is about one to three weeks after exposure. Signs and symptoms of the condition include chills and fever. To avoid getting infected, avoid dust from bird feathers and cage contents. You must also refrain from handling a sick bird.

The name psittacosis comes from the Greek word “psittakos,” which means parrot. Psittacosis is also known as chlamydia infection causing psittacosis, parrot fever, and respiratory psittacosis.

Known side effects of psittacosis

The side effects of psittacosis usually include:

Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Dry cough and sore throat
Fever and chills
Headache, joint aches, and muscle aches
Jaundice
Nausea and vomiting
Photophobia (increased sensitivity to light)
Pneumonia
Shortness of breath and fatigue

Risk factors for psittacosis may include:

Being veterinarians or lab workers
Having pet birds, especially parrots or pigeons
Working in pet shops
Working in poultry farms or the poultry slaughter and processing industry

Body systems harmed by psittacosis

Psittacosis may cause severe complications that require hospitalization.

Complications associated with the disease include:

Arthritis
Death – Usually occurs in less than one percent of properly treated patients.
Encephalitis
Endocarditis
Hepatitis
Myocarditis
Respiratory failure
Sepsis
Severe pneumonia (requires intensive-care support)

Food items or nutrients that may prevent psittacosis

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent psittacosis and fight bacteria that can cause the disease:

Coconut oil – Coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties thanks to the medium chain fatty acids or triglycerides (MCTs) that it contains. It has two powerful MCTs: lauric acid and caprylic acid. Coconut oil can help inactivate various types of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and yeast.
Garlic – A potent anti-bacterial, garlic can fight candida overgrowth, fungus, and yeast infections. It has allicin, a natural protective compound, and other volatile oils that are released when garlic is chewed and crushed.
Ginger – An effective home remedy for throat infections, garlic can also help cure a cough and kill the bacteria that causes the infection. Ginger also has sesquiterpene, a group of chemical compounds that can kill rhinoviruses or agents that cause colds.
Honey – A natural anti-microbial, honey has live enzymes that release hydrogen peroxide which can kill germs and unwanted foreign elements that may enter the body.
Lemon – This citrus fruit has anti-bacterial and ant-fungal properties that can help fight off bacteria that cause acne. Full of vitamin C, lemons are also antioxidants that can fight free radicals that may cause diseases.
Pineapple – This tropical fruit has strong anti-bacterial properties that fight off invading cells in the mouth and throat. Fresh pineapple juice can help cool the blood and reduce inflammation of the nose and the sinuses.
Turmeric – A spice used in curries, turmeric is a popular antiseptic that can help heal wounds and cuts. Turmeric is also a great anti-bacterial that keeps the internal systems clean.

Treatments, management plans for psittacosis

Psittacosis is usually treated with antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline. A healthcare professional can also prescribe other types of antibiotics. Very young patients may be given azithromycin.

Following diagnosis, antibiotic treatment often continues for 10 to 14 days after the fever resolves. Most patients with psittacosis usually make a full recovery. However, recovery may be slow in individuals who are older, very young or have other health issues.

Where to learn more

Summary

Psittacosis is the name of an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called C. psittaci. The disease is contracted from caged psittacine birds such as lovebirds, parakeets, and parrots.

The side effects of psittacosis usually include abdominal pain, chest pain, and jaundice.

Complications associated with the disease include arthritis, hepatitis, and myocarditis.

Coconut oil, garlic, ginger, honey, lemon, pineapple, and turmeric can help prevent psittacosis and fight bacteria that can cause the disease.

Psittacosis is usually treated with antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline.

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