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People living in cities are usually happy to live with stray animals and birds and in such a situation pigeons are considered our best friends. Feeding birds and animals is a common practice in Indian homes, which increases our connection with wild creatures. But there is another aspect to it.
A recent case study has highlighted the health risks of exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers. Studies have shown that pigeon droppings on the balcony or terrace, which we consider harmless, can actually be allergens. The study talks about an 11-year-old boy from East Delhi who developed a life-threatening allergy after prolonged exposure to pigeon feathers and dung. The boy was treated at Sir Gangaram Hospital.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)
The boy was brought to the hospital after complaining of cough. However, his condition deteriorated due to respiratory failure, the statement said. Dr Dhirendra Gupta, co-director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), said that during the examination, the child developed hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), which is caused by an allergy to pigeon protein. Due to this, he needed immediate treatment.
Dr Dhirendra said that during medical examination, the boy's lungs showed swelling and clouding, which are symptoms of HP. Fading refers to areas that appear white on chest X-ray, whereas these areas should normally be dark in color. HP is a chronic interstitial lung disease in which the lungs become injured, making breathing difficult. This disease is more common in adults and less common in children. It affects 2-4 people in a population of one lakh every year.
high flow oxygen therapy
In the case study, doctors said the boy was given steroids and helped to breathe with high-flow oxygen therapy. This treatment involves supplying gas to the body through a tube inserted into the nose. According to doctors, this helped reduce inflammation in his lungs and bring his breathing to almost normal levels.
HP is caused by inflammation resulting from the body's immune response to repeated exposure to certain environmental substances such as allergens, molds and fungi. Indirect exposure to e-cigarettes can also cause inflammation, Dr Gupta told PTI.