Cockatiel Allergies?

[SD1030]

So I took my cockatiel to a certified avian vet. And he told me that my cockatiel has low-grade, mild allergies to his own dust/dander. He has these little episodes of sniffles. Besides an air purifier and humidifier, he prescribed Hydroxyzine to be placed in his water.

Has anyone heard of birds becoming allergic to their own dust and dander? How common is this?

 

[expressmailtome]

I have never heard of a bird being allergic to their own dander. I know that macaws and conures can have issues with dander from birds such as cockatoos and African greys, however this is a new one for me.