Hi Bob,

Interesting post.  I also have this coughing reaction, even if I open just a few hives.  A friend of mine (who also did bee research) developed a bad allergic reaction to bee dander.  My understanding is that it's related to tiny airborne pieces of bee cuticle, probably from bees' hairs or dead bodies.  This would be similar in nature to an allergy to cat or dog dander or house dust from dust mites.

Do you have other allergies to airborne allergens?  Many times, one allergy leads to another.

Best,
Amy

=========================
Amy Toth, Assistant Professor
Departments of Ecology, Evolution, & Organismal Biology and Entomology
Iowa State University

On Sep 19, 2013, at 7:15 PM, "Bob Harrison" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hello All
> I spent day going through top level testing for low oxygen problems. 
> 
> Has been a problem for years.
> 
> Because i am a non smoker and not exposed to asbestoes (i know about)  the docs think being around large numbers of airborne bees might be the cause of the detectable (cat scan etc.) Condition.
> 
> The doctors asked if I ever had a cough when being around large numbers of hives.
> I was shocked and answered yes.
> 
> As i have posted on BEE-L (archives) about what i haved called the beekeeper cough. The doc punched a couple figures into the calculator the the numbers of bees in a yard let alone a semi load are huge.
> 
> Apparently the problem has been documented and a large amount of blood samples were sent off.
> 
> The nurse found a blood test  to test  .
> 
> I have doubts as to their hypothesis but will find out when i see the doc in two weeks.
> 
> Have others heard of or perhaps experienced the cough
> When around a large number of hives for hours?
> 
> Because there are so few beekeepers with  numbers of hives as compared to the public is it possible commercial beekeepers could be at risk for lung problems similar to smokers and those posed to asbestos?
> 
> What does the list think?
> 
> Sincerely,
> Bob Harrison
> Midwest beekeeper
> 
> 
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