Hypersensitive Pneumonia Due To Pigeon Droppings On A Rise, Expert Suggests How To Be Safe

With the rise in cases of hypersensitive pneumonia, the municipal authorities in Maharashtra's Thane have warned against feeding pigeons near residential areas. It is a disease that spreads through bird droppings and feathers and damages the lungs.

The authorities have put up posters at various places with a warning that a fine of ₹500 will be imposed on those who feed pigeons.

While pigeons are usually considered to be one of the most harmless birds, this rise in cases of hypersensitive pneumonia has highlighted that their feathers and beaks act as carriers of bacteria and viruses which affect your lungs and can put you at risk of the disease. Let us know in detail about hypersensitive pneumonia as Dr. Manoj Sharma, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, told us about the same.

Dr. Sharma said, “This disease increases in those people who live around beaks and feathers. Inhaled antigens produced by bird droppings and feathers enter the lungs and cause an immunological reaction, which damages the lungs.”

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Symptoms of Hypersensitivity Pneumonia

It is also called Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP), as per the National Institutes of Health. When exposed to the allergen, symptoms start to show up a few hours later and can linger for many hours or even days. On the other hand, some symptoms appear gradually and progressively worsen. Some common symptoms of the disease include breathlessness, muscle pain, dry cough, chest tightness, chills, tiredness, high fever, and weight loss for no reason.

Can Hypersensitivity Pneumonia Turn Severe?

Hypersensitivity pneumonia can be severe. The inflammation in your lungs might seriously harm your health if you are exposed to the allergens that cause HP on a regular basis.

What Does It Feel Like To Have Hypersensitivity Pneumonia?

This might resemble the flu. Chronic HP, however, progresses gradually and may be hard to spot. Nonetheless, you might be having more difficulty breathing than usual, or you might develop a cough or gradually get more exhausted.

Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonia

On the basis of your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and a few additional tests, hypersensitivity pneumonia can be identified.

Allergy Test

This is done through blood samples, which check whether you have signs of an allergic reaction.

Imaging

Chest X-rays and CT scans can check for any damage.

Pulmonary Function Test

Most lung function tests involve breathing into a tube connected to a machine to measure how well your lungs are working.

Bonchoscopy

In this test, a small, flexible tube is passed through your nose or mouth which can look inside the lungs and collect samples.

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How to Prevent Hypersensitive Pneumonia

• To prevent this, it is necessary to avoid coming in contact with allergens that cause inflammation of the lungs.
• If there are too many birds or animals around you or there is too much use of wood, paper, grains etc., then definitely wear a mask.
• Keep humidifiers, hot tubs, and heating and cooling systems clean.
• Stay away from bird feathers and beets.
• Do not keep water filled in the open for a long time around the house.
• Do not allow moisture to increase anywhere in the house. This causes mold which can cause problems.

Repeated exposure to allergens can increase the risk of lung damage. But if the problem is caught early, you can prevent the damage before it happens. If you have any lung problem, contact the doctor immediately.