There is uric acid-ammonia in pigeon droppings, lungs will be permanently damaged, those who feed pigeons should know these 4 dangerous disadvantages

People are often seen feeding pigeons. Seeing them, you may also feel like doing the same, but this habit can be harmful for your body. People have very little knowledge about its dangers, let's know.

People can be seen feeding pigeons on different streets in India. Here, taking care of birds is associated with a virtue. This culture is very common especially in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur. Thousands of people feed pigeons every day, but do you know that this habit can also be dangerous for your body.

Dr. Dipesh G. Agarwal, Consultant Physician and Head of the Critical Care Medicine Department at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, emphasizes on the health hazards posed by feeding pigeons, which is increasing rapidly.

Feeding pigeons is increasing in cities

Dr Dipesh says that in cities like Mumbai, pigeon feeding zones or Kabutarkhanas (pigeon feeders) have now become common urban sites. Run by local communities or trusts, these places are crowded with elderly citizens, morning walkers and people who feed the pigeons. The vendors selling grains nearby further strengthen this ecosystem, making it a small industry in itself.

Dr. Agrawal explains, 'When food becomes easily available, the number of pigeons can increase rapidly, which can lead to an increase in their population and environmental imbalance.' Urban ecologists often call them 'flying rats' because like rats, they can reproduce rapidly, spread disease and damage public places.

Diseases caused by pigeon droppings

The general public is less aware of the harm caused to the body by pigeon droppings, which are often found in large quantities near feeders and their nests. According to Dr. Agarwal, these droppings contain high amounts of uric acid and ammonia, which makes them conducive to the growth of dangerous bacteria and fungus.

These diseases can occur due to contact with pigeons

• Histoplasmosis: A fungal lung infection caused by inhaling dried beet spores.
• Cryptococcosis: This is another fungal infection that can affect the lungs and brain.
• Psittacosis (parrot fever): A bacterial illness that can mimic severe pneumonia.
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: An allergic lung disease caused by inhaling feathers and beetle particles. Long-term exposure can cause permanent lung damage.

Urban hospitals are witnessing a rise in respiratory problems such as chronic cough, breathlessness and inflammation in the lungs . Such symptoms are often caused by prolonged exposure to pigeons. Dr Agarwal says that the worrying thing is that many people are unaware that the environment around them can be the cause of their illness.

Unintentional consequences of feeding pigeons

Feeding pigeons can disturb the natural ecological balance. Overfeeding not only destroys their ability to find food but also increases the crowding of birds, their aggressive behavior and pollution of public places. Apart from this, high protein processed food like bread and biscuits also harm the health of pigeons.

Pigeon droppings spoil public monuments, damage heritage structures due to their acidic nature and block drains and AC vents of buildings. Pigeons nesting in residential areas create an unhealthy environment and pose health risks to children, the elderly and people with weak immunity.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. NewsCrab does not take responsibility for its truthfulness, accuracy and effectiveness. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always contact your doctor for more information.

PC:NBT