People heading to parks and other public places to feed pigeons has become a common sight in cities. However, the unintended consequences of this well-meaning activity on lung health are often overlooked.

A recent case study by doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, highlighted the impact of prolonged exposure to pigeon feathers, droppings, etc., on human health. Studies reveal a startling link between urban wildlife, specifically pigeons, and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Bird Breeder’s Lung or Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is one of the most common forms of ILDs that can affect humans feeding pigeons regularly.