Can Birds Affect Human Lungs?

Awareness about birds being the cause of lung problems has recently increased. There are also a lot of myths circulating, and it is important to know the truth from the false news.

Can Birds Cause Lung Problems?

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a disease that causes an allergic reaction to the lungs. This allergic reaction is caused due to inhalation of some components, which may be due to exposure to farm-related products like moist seeds and bird feathers or droppings.

Everyday exposure to bird feathers and droppings includes that of pet birds like parrots and pigeons. Other derived products like feather pillows can also cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Some other exposures can also cause similar effects on the lungs, and this includes fungal exposure in saunas.

Symptoms

Lung problems usually have the same symptoms; hence, hypersensitivity pneumonitis does not have specific symptoms. Breathlessness and coughing are the most common symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms for a prolonged period and suffer from a low-grade fever, then it would be best to consult a pulmonologist.

 

Also Read: Lung Transplant: An Overview

 

 Treatment

A pulmonary function test is the best diagnostic test available, and this test can find whether the lung capacity is affected due to these exposures or due to lung damage.

If any problem is noted in the lung function test, the patient is recommended to take a CT scan. With this, whether the patient suffers from short-term or long-term exposure can be found.

 Kauvery Hospital

Awareness about the topic is important to prevent these diseases and get proper lung care if needed. To consult with the best pulmonologists in Salem, visit Kauvery Hospital.

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