sick kid after cleaning out the coop

[Lifetime chicken lover]

Ok, so I know this forum is for sick chickens, but I'd like to find out if this has been a problem for anyone else.

My 5 year old son helped me clean out the chicken coop a few weeks ago. A few days later he developed a cough that seems to be getting progressively worse. They could be unrelated, but something tells me it isn't. I've read a lot about histoplasmosis lately, but what I usually see is that it happens after long-term contact with bird feces dust. Has anyone else had issues with coughing/allergies after cleaning the coop? I know everytime after I clean the coop, my nose is full of black dust that usually takes a few days to clear. This is the first time I've had the kids help me clean the coop. Since whooping cough is going around lately, I fear if I bring my son into the Dr. he'll just pump him full of antibiotics and I am really against the over-use of antibiotics that our society has, and would like to know if others have had issues with severe coughs after coop-cleaning. Is it possible he's developed an allergy?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[maidenwolfx80]

There is always a chance of developing an allergy to anything we come in contact with. I myself have allergies and we were using hay as littler, big mistake, I would get runny nose, cough, mucus in ny lungs, headache. Oh the hay was yerrible, we have switched to straw and all is better. I am an herbalist myself and like to take care of everything naturally. You can try some chamomile tea with honey before bed and that will sooth the cough. I dont know if you have or can obtain herbs if so you can send me a message and I can help that way.
What ind of litter do you use??

 

[Mskayladog]

When I clean the coop and a grandkids wants to help I have them wear this. I wear a face mask also. I got a horriable caugh one day after cleaning the poop board. I use PDZ on the board and my coop floor is dirt pine shavings and straw.
[=http://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Clark-47127-Childs-Stretchable-Earloops/dp/B002HT28R0]
[/]


There are cheaper face mask for children but my 5 year old grand daughter does not throw a fit about wearing that one cause it's Disney lol

 

[Lifetime chicken lover]

Thank you MsKay and maidenwolf. I will definitely be using face masks both for myself and the kids in the future. And yes, I have been treating the cough with my own mix of honey, lemon, and echinacea...to no avail.
I've been using store bought fine pine shavings lately, which I would never do again. But it was a recommendation from our local co-op where I bought our latest batch of chicks.
My son has a wellness exam coming up, so I will consult the Dr. then in the hopes that they do not give me that "bad parent" look again for not wanting to give my kids needless antibiotics.

 

[nick8950]

not good

 

[nick8950]

wow

 

[maidenwolfx80]

Thank you MsKay and maidenwolf. I will definitely be using face masks both for myself and the kids in the future. And yes, I have been treating the cough with my own mix of honey, lemon, and echinacea...to no avail.
I've been using store bought fine pine shavings lately, which I would never do again. But it was a recommendation from our local co-op where I bought our latest batch of chicks.
My son has a wellness exam coming up, so I will consult the Dr. then in the hopes that they do not give me that "bad parent" look again for not wanting to give my kids needless antibiotics.

I absolutely understand,, I dont give mine any antibiotics either I treat here and they think I'm nuts. Oh well I always end up making them better..