Overview

• Kenny Kajan, 13, spent about a month in hospital after an acute respiratory decline that required oxygen.
• Symptoms began in March with cough, fever and breathlessness, with early assessments pointing to asthma or a panic attack.
• Imaging, blood tests and specialist input led to a diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an immune-driven inflammation of the lungs.
• He received steroid treatment and can no longer be near birds or use feather items; the family rehomed their four parrots and deep-cleaned the house.
• The family launched a GoFundMe to help create an allergen-free environment, with doctors noting the condition is more often seen in older adults with long-term exposures.