Feeding pigeons is not only considered good, but it is also said to be beneficial for your mental health. But pigeon droppings can cause serious infections to your lungs and respiratory tract. Due to which it is important to be careful.
Pigeons play a natural role in keeping the environment clean, helping to clean up leftover food and other organic waste. But many of us feed pigeons on the balcony and terrace of our house. You may be surprised to know, but this activity can make you a victim of serious infection (Pigeon dropping health hazards). By feeding them, we disrupt their natural behavior.
Over the past five years, respiratory problems associated with exposure to pigeons have increased by 10 to 15%. Many such cases are coming to light in which pigeon droppings are being said to be the cause of infection (Pigeon dropping health hazards). If you do not know the whole matter, then definitely read this article. Here is some important information related to the infection spread by pigeon droppings (Pigeon dropping health hazards).
what is the whole matter
A 35-year-old man from Pune was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis at Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital (ABMH). He lives in a high-rise building near Pigeon Barsa, and was complaining of a persistent cough and difficulty in breathing.
She was diagnosed with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. At ABMH, around eight to 10 cases of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis are reported every month. Additionally, two to three cases of cryptococcal meningitis and one to two cases of psittacosis are reported every year.
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Know why pigeon droppings can be dangerous for your health (Health hazards of Pigeon dropping)
1 Pigeon droppings can make you sick
Diseases associated with pigeon droppings include cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and psittacosis. You can get infected with these diseases by breathing in the dust that is created while cleaning pigeon feces and urine. The risk of pigeon related diseases is rare. People with weak immune systems are most at risk from these diseases.
2 antigens organisms spread diseases
Creator-viruses are found in pigeon droppings and feathers. When a person is constantly exposed to pigeon and its droppings, these antigens enter the lungs through the breath. Thus they can infect the lungs.
3 Lung tissue may be damaged
Infections spread by germs due to exposure to pigeon droppings can damage lung tissue. Not only this, it also harms the airways. At the same time, the risk of International Language Disease (ILD) increases.
4 Asthma patients are at greater risk
All patients suffering from asthma need to be more conscious about it. Pigeon droppings or feeding them in the balcony of the house acts as an asthma trigger. However, people in homes where pigeons visit regularly may have trouble breathing even if they do not have asthma.
5. People with weak immunity can get infected quickly
Those who have weak immunity have a higher risk of getting infected by harmful bacteria and germs released from pigeon droppings. Such people are advised to maintain distance from pigeons. Because once infected, treatment can also be difficult.
6 People who are already sick should be more alert
If the lungs are damaged or there is already a skin disease, the patient’s condition may worsen. Children and the elderly are at greater risk. Such people can get infected easily and quickly. These people should always stay away from pigeons.
7 Pets can also get sick
Usually pets are roaming all over the house. Many times these animals unknowingly eat pigeon droppings and chew their feathers, which greatly increases the risk of infection.
What to do to avoid infection (How to avoid infection from pigeon dropping)
Always feed the pigeons outside the house.
If you are feeding them in a public place, do not stand there and wait for them to eat, return from there.
If you are feeding among many pigeons, then definitely wear a mask.
Avoid frequent exposure to pigeons.
Cover the balcony and any place from where pigeons can enter the house with a net.
Keep these precautions in mind while cleaning pigeon droppings (Tips to cleaning Pigeon dropping)
If you are cleaning beets without a mask and gloves, you may get hypersensitive normality pneumonitis. In such a situation, always wear gloves while cleaning the beet, also cover the mouth properly with a mask and throw the beet away from the house. The risk of infection is highest during cleaning, so be careful.
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