Psittacosis

Infection with Chlamydia psittaci, known as psittacosis, is a disease that people can acquire from contact with infected birds, such as parrots, parakeets, or pigeons, mainly by inhaling particles of their secretions.

Common symptoms:

• Fever, chills, and headache.
• Dry cough and respiratory discomfort.
• Muscle aches and general fatigue.

When to see the doctor? If you have a respiratory illness with fever and have had close contact with birds, it is advisable to mention it at the visit to guide the evaluation.

Which specialist treats it? It is usually treated by the internist or the pulmonologist, with support from the infectious disease specialist when necessary. In the presence of persistent respiratory symptoms, the most sensible thing is to have a professional review your case and determine the appropriate tests.