Stop feeding pigeons! Mumbai docs say the bird's dropping can cause pneumonia

As Mumbai slowly settles into its winter doctors warn about the rise in pneumonia cases but more than that they highlight the possibility of getting it through pigeons Incidentally World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12 every year around the world to raise awareness about the need for prevention and treatment of the lung infectionFirstly what is pneumonia Dr Sulaiman Ladhani pulmonologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central explains Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria viruses fungi or other microorganisms The common types are bacterial viral and fungal pneumoniaWhile pneumonia is usually found to be on the rise during the winter months feeding pigeons is another reason that Mumbai doctors highlight as the reason for the cause of hypersensitive pneumonia On more than one occasion Thane Municipal Corporation has put up posters in the last few years warning people against feeding pigeonsWith the winter season almost here middaycom spoke to Dr Revathy Kodakkal consultant Respiratory amp Sleep Medicine Holy Family Hospital in Bandra and Dr Ladhani to know more about the infection They not only highlighted the causes but also effects and treatment of the respiratory disease The Mumbai experts also warn about how people can get pneumonia because of pigeonsWhat are the causes of pneumonia and what are the different typesKodakkal Bacterial pneumonia commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is prevalent while viral pneumonia often results from influenza and respiratory syncytial virus RSV Fungal pneumonia is less common mostly affecting individuals with weakened immune systemsWhich is the season known to see a spike in pneumonia casesKodakkal Winter months typically see a spike in pneumonia cases due to increased indoor gatherings and a higher incidence of respiratory infectionsWhat are the signs and symptoms to recognise pneumonia Can the symptoms be confused with any other diseaseKodakkal The symptoms of pneumonia include high fever chills cough with phlegm difficulty breathing and chest pain Since these symptoms can resemble other respiratory infections like bronchitis or the flu which sometimes delays diagnosis fatigue and muscle pain can also add to the confusion with viral infectionsLadhani The symptoms can sometimes resemble the flu or bronchitis which can delay diagnosis A medical evaluation often including a chest Xray helps confirm pneumoniaWhich age group is most affected by pneumonia Does it also affect one gender more than anotherKodakkal Pneumonia most commonly affects young children under five and older adults over 65 especially those with underlying health conditions It does not appear to impact one gender more than the other though lifestyle factors may increase susceptibilityLadhani Elderly individuals often face higher risks due to weaker immune systems While it can affect all genders men especially older men with preexisting conditions may experience more severe casesWhat are the shortterm and longterm effects of pneumoniaKodakkal Shortterm effects include fever cough and respiratory distress which can generally resolve with treatment Longterm complications are more common in elderly patients and those with weakened immune systemsLadhani Longterm effects can include lung scarring and reduced lung function especially in severe or repeated cases People with chronic lung conditions or weakened immune systems might face recurrent pneumoniaWhich section of the population is most vulnerable to pneumoniaLadhani Vulnerable groups include young children elderly individuals those with chronic illnesses like asthma diabetes or heart disease smokers and those with weakened immune systems such as people with HIV or undergoing chemotherapyDo people take pneumonia for grantedKodakkal Yes people often underestimate pneumonia mistaking it for a common cold or flu This can lead to delayed treatment worsening the infection and increasing the risk of severe complications Pneumonia can be lifethreatening if left untreated particularly in highrisk groups so itrsquos crucial to take symptoms seriouslyWhat are the treatment options for pneumoniaKodakkal Treatment depends on the cause antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia antiviral medications for certain viral pneumonias and antifungal treatments for fungal typesShould people selfmedicate or when should they visit the doctorKodakkal Selfmedication is not recommended as inappropriate drugs can worsen the conditionLadhani A doctorrsquos visit is crucial if symptoms like high fever chest pain or persistent cough occurThere have been reports in the last year about pneumonia cases due to pigeons in Mumbai What is the connection between the twoKodakkal Pigeon droppings contain fungi and bacteria like Chlamydia psittaci which can cause respiratory infections including a type known as bird fancierrsquos lungrdquo or hypersensitivity pneumonitis Inhaling these microorganisms can lead to lung inflammation and even pneumonia in susceptible individualsLadhani The respiratory condition related to pigeon droppings is hypersensitivity pneumonitis which is not the same as bacterial or viral pneumonia If left untreated hypersensitivity pneumonitis can lead to irreversible lung scarring and drying This issue has been ongoing for quite some time especially in areas where people regularly feed pigeons and spend time among them Being in close quarters with pigeons particularly in areas with a high pigeon population is a common cause of this conditionHas Mumbai seen a spike in cases of pneumonia due to pigeonsLadhani Yes Mumbai has seen increased respiratory infections linked to pigeons in certain areasWhat are the preventive measuresKodakkal Follow these steps1 Dont feed pigeons and discourage others from doing so too2 Place pigeon nets on balconies and windows where they visit3 Avoid keeping other birds as pets4 Visit your pulmonologist for persistent cough or breathlessnessLadhani Preventive measures also include wearing masks to reduce exposure to pigeon droppings and avoiding areas with large pigeon populationsWhat are the different kinds of foods that people can eat to prevent pneumonia and after suffering from pneumoniaKodakkal For prevention a diet rich in vitamins A C and E along with foods high in antioxidantsmdashlike citrus fruits berries and leafy greensmdashcan support immune health After a pneumonia diagnosis focus on hydration and nutrientdense foods like soups broths and soft fruits to aid recovery Foods with antiinflammatory properties such as ginger and turmeric can also be beneficialLadhani A diet rich in protein adequate hydration and rest are important for recovery from pneumonia Foods that support immune health include those high in protein such as lean meats legumes and dairy Staying hydrated is also crucial as it aids in overall respiratory health and recovery