Pigeon droppings, the lung threat you don't see: Doctor shares the risks of bird dropping and their common symptoms

Pigeons might look harmless perched on your balcony, but their droppings can pose a serious threat to your lungs, something most people don’t realize. Packed with fungi and bacteria, dried pigeon feces can release tiny spores into the air that you unknowingly inhale.

Over time, this can lead to life-threatening lung infections like Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis, or even a condition called Pigeon Breeder’s Lung, which damages the lung tissue permanently if exposure is chronic.Certain groups are at higher risk. Even short-term exposure in areas crowded with pigeons can trigger coughing, wheezing, or other breathing issues.The good news? Prevention is simple but requires caution. By understanding the risks and taking basic precautions, you can protect your lungs from hidden threats that many overlook.We at TOI spoke to Dr. Vijay Kumar Agrawal, Director – ICU & Pulmonology, Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Faridabad on how harmful are pigeon droppings for human health.

What are the common risks associated with pigeon poop?

Pigeon feces is packed with destructive fungi and bacteria that can cause life-threatening lung infections like Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis. When the feces dry, they become dust that holds the fungal spores for inhalation. Depending on the degree of chronic exposure, there could be a potential diagnosis of Pigeon Breeder's Lung, a type of hypersensitivity pneumonitis resulting in permanent damage to lung parenchyma.

Who is at risk?

Individuals who have frequent exposure, including pigeon feeders, building maintenance workers, pet bird owners, and people that live near pigeon roosts are at a high risk of developing disease. Immunocompromised patients, as well as patients affected having asthma or COPD as well as elderly or young children are especially at risk. Even short-term exposure in a congested and surf swamp with pigeons can aggravate existing breathing problems such as allergies or respiratory infections.

What are the symptoms people should know?

If you experience a persistent dry cough, breathlessness, chest tightness, or fatigue, you have warning signs. If you are exposed over a period of time, you may experience fever, weight loss, or scarring in your lungs. If your fungal infection is severe, symptoms may spread beyond your lungs. Patients with asthma may complain of frequent wheezing. If you have respiratory discomfort that is unexplained in areas with pigeons, you need medical evaluation promptly.

What can be done to avoid this?

Do not feed pigeons, and keep your balcony or ledge clean and netted to discourage nesting. Use N95 masks and gloves any time you clean a droppings location, and always moisten the area prior to cleaning it to reduce dust from spreading. Keep the area ventilated and do not dry clothing near the area or where pigeons like to roost. Agencies and authorities should disinfect public or shared areas, and discourage individuals from feeding pigeons.