Exposure to Pigeons Linked to Rare Lung Condition in Boy, Unveiling Hidden Health Risks

New Delhi: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is a prevalent fibrotic lung disease among adults in India. As a type of Interstitial Lung Disease, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis leads to progressive and irreversible scarring of lung tissue. This scarring diminishes lung function, impairing a person's ability to breathe easily and reducing the lungs' capacity to transfer adequate oxygen into the bloodstream and expel carbon dioxide from the body.

In a recent case, an 11-year-old boy from east Delhi recently experienced a serious respiratory challenge connected to his exposure to pigeon feathers and droppings, which highlights a lesser-known health risk. His coughing problem, which had started out routinely, soon became serious and required hospital admission for urgent care.

Medical screening was performed, and the results were concerning as tests revealed that the 11 year old have lung inflammation and opacities that were consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). The boy's declining respiratory function necessitated immediate medical attention due to an immune-mediated condition caused by an allergic reaction to pigeon proteins.

The boy received intensive treatment, including oxygen therapy via high flow system and steroid administration, under the careful supervision of Dr. Dhiren Gupta, Co-Director PICU and his medical team at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital including Dr. Anil Sachdev Chairperson, Pediatrics, Dr. Suresh Gupta Director, PICU Paediatrics and Dr. Neeraj Gupta Associate Consultant Paediatrics. The treatment was successful to reduce lung inflammation and restore near normal breathing. Because of the positive response of 11 year old to treatment, he was eventually discharged with a detailed care plan to help him manage his condition.

"This case highlights the critical importance of recognizing the early signs of HP and taking prompt action to prevent serious complications," said Dr. Gupta. "Education about potential environmental triggers, like bird droppings and feathers, is essential for preventing similar incidents” he added. Don’t take innocuous looking pigeons, chickens lightly if they are residing in same vicinity.