People feeding pigeons are in danger, problems like swelling in lungs and fungal infection will take away peace.

Pigeons have been shown as very cute and harmless loving birds in films for years. People learned to love after seeing ‘Dil Wale Dulhania’, in the movie Amrish Puri and Shahrukh Khan were also filmed feeding pigeons. It seems as if running through a flock of pigeons, taking photos and making videos with the pigeons flying in the background has become a trend.

Not only this, pundits and astrologers also leave no stone unturned and ask people to feed pigeons to improve their karma. To ensure that there is no hindrance in your work of feeding the pigeons, some people also sit near the pigeons with grains in them. But if you are worried about your health, then keep distance from pigeons. Pigeon droppings and feathers can put your health at risk.

Why are pigeons harmful for health?
Pigeons can spread many diseases, some of which can be fatal for you. Here we are telling you about some diseases which you may get due to being around pigeons.

histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores from bird droppings. Pigeon droppings may contain a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes this disease. Symptoms of histoplasmosis can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, chest pain, and fatigue.

cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis is another fungal infection that can spread through pigeon droppings. Like histoplasmosis, it can be fatal in severe cases. Symptoms of cryptococcosis may include fever, headache and stiff neck.

salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with pigeon droppings or feathers. Symptoms of salmonellosis may include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

e coli
Pigeons can carry E. coli bacteria in their feces, which can cause serious gastrointestinal illness in humans.

lung disease
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lungs caused by repeated inhalation of allergy-causing substances, often organic particles such as mold, bird droppings or chemicals. This includes difficulty in breathing and fatigue. In serious cases, lung transplant may also be required.