If chickens caused lung damage, I think we would all have been sick long ago. Sinus infection tends to have lots of pressure in the sinus area across the cheek bones, nasal stuffiness and some weird color snot. True, the dust/dander may have triggered sinus infection. Hubby often gets sinus infections if the air is too dry, but had them constantly when he lived at home because of the excessive dirt/dust/dander. They had large dirty dogs that laid on all the furniture and bedding was hardly washed. And all old houses are prone to have other hidden issues. But you wouldn't be the only one sick either from either situation.
Next time your mom decides the house isn't clean to her standards, hand her a broom. She can either clean or fly away on it.
I have a friend who says chickens cause her serious illness when she was a kid. BUT IMO, I think it may have been something else in the coop. Hay and Straw and unclean conditions can breed Mold and mold can be very dangerous.
Do some research if you are concerned but I advise to try to keep things as dry as possible, especially if you have a dirt floor. If you can provide some source of light when cleaning. Light can eradicate some molds. Keep air circulating under the coop, avoid wet areas when placing a coop if you can. I have areas that just get wet but I raised the coop and the run.
I suffer allergies and take a pill every day. It does help.
I wish us all good health.
Rancher
