Should we stay away from down clothes?
I just read that people with BE and NTM should not wear or sleep under feathers or down. I had never heard that before and realize I wear down jackets in the winter and down coats when I travel where it's cold enough to need them. Have you heard that before?
Roz
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@rozie83 I'm curious about where you read that, can you give us a source?
Years ago my PCP and my daughter's pediatrician and allergist all suggested that we eliminate down comforters because the fine particles make their way through the fabric and we can breathe them in while sleeping. They are a common allergen/irritant. We got rid of our feather and down pillows for the same reason.
I never considered getting rid of my down vest and jacket, but those are not "right in my face" for 7-8 hours at a time. They are so featherlight and comfortable that I would need serious evidence to convince me to give them up.
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5 ReactionsRoz, Oof, like @sueinmn I need some strong evidence to give up my down outerwear. Super warm, super lite, and so comfortable to enjoy the fabulous winter sports we're blessed to have and enjoy here in Minnesota. I have zero allergies but am diligent in low temp drying and refluffing my vests, coats, hats,and gloves
regularly after each ski outing.
Terri
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1 ReactionI read it on the Facebook site of Lung Matters December 2. There were several people who contributed to the commentary. I wrapped up my 4 down jackets but haven't gotten rid of them. I will be glad to hang them back up if anybody has information that down jackets, etc are ok to use with BE and/or NTM. I'm interested to see what other people know. Thank you. Roz
@rozie83 I almost never post comments about other Bronchiectasis gathering places, because each has their following and offers some good information. BUT...Lung Matters does not base many of their posts in science, but rather in the opinion of their leaders. Many of their statements and recommendations cannot be supported by sound facts or research, and challenging or dissenting voices are banned. I am not allowed on their site, so cannot see what you read there.
A few years ago, there was a discussion (I don't remember where) about feathers being a "source" of MAC. I did a very deep dive into Google Scholar and found only the suggestion that infected birds MIGHT get fecal material on their feathers. But the feathers and down in our jackets and comforters has been thoroughly cleaned before use.
So, following the Dr Jennifer Honda philosophy on managing the burden of living with BE and/or NTM, this risk would fall in the very low category. You can watch her wonderful, science and research based video here:
What am I going to do? Continue to use my down garments until somebody shows me a direct risk from them.
Are you willing to cut and paste exactly what you read on Lung Matters to this discussion?