Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at 73: know all about the respiratory condition

Adding, Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, pulmonologist, director pulmonology, MD, MRCP, Fortis Hospital, Faridabad. explained that IPF is a progressive fibrotic disease of the lungs. “Medicines can only slow down its progress; there is no absolute cure,” he told indianexpress.com.

As the name suggests, it is idiopathic, meaning it has no specific cause. However, similar conditions can be caused by certain autoimmune diseases and pigeon exposure; “but then those are called UIP (Usual interstitial pneumonia)-like patterns (IPF type), and not idiopathic,” noted Dr Jha.

Dr Garde said while the exact cause of this particular condition is still unknown, it is believed that it can be “highly linked to factors like genetics, exposure to dust or smoke, or even any type of viral infection”.

Know all about the condition (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Symptoms

According to Dr Jha, dry cough, which doesn’t respond to standard therapy, can progress to shortness of breath and respiratory failure.

Condition like IPF often affects the elderly, noted Dr Garde. “It progresses slowly, but if overlooked, it can worsen quickly. Those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may experience a range of symptoms. The symptoms may include dry cough, shortness of breath, especially while performing any physical activity, fatigue, and chest discomfort. The intensity and severity of these symptoms may vary from person to person depending on their condition,” said Dr Garde.

Impact on the elderly

When IPF affects individuals over the age of 70, its impact is often “more severe” due to age-related decline in lung function and the presence of other health conditions, said Dr Arora.”In elderly patients, symptoms such as severe breathlessness and persistent cough can significantly impair daily activities, making even simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs exhausting. Fatigue, weakness, and a marked reduction in exercise tolerance further diminish their independence and quality of life,” said Dr Arora.

The combination of respiratory failure, heart complications, and cognitive decline makes IPF particularly challenging for elderly individuals, Dr Arora noted, necessitating supportive care to address their overall well-being.

Diagnosis

Dr Manisha Arora, director, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said that a doctor may detect crackling sounds in the chest during an examination, and further diagnostic tests are conducted, including a chest X-ray, high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan, and lung function tests. These tests help confirm the restrictive lung disease caused by IPF, said Dr Arora.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for now, said Dr Garde. “Undergoing certain treatments as prescribed by your doctor can help manage symptoms and slow down the progression of this condition. The treatment options may include medications, oxygen therapy to regulate breathing without facing any difficulties, and pulmonary rehabilitation to improve the functioning of your lungs,” said Dr Garde.

Dr Jha shared that there are antifibrotic drugs available which can slow down the progression. “Ultimate treatment is a lung transplant,” said Dr Jha.

Dr Garde noted that adhering to certain lifestyle modifications like quitting smoking, staying fit and active, and getting vaccinated can help fight against various respiratory infections. “Early detection and medical intervention can help save lives and improve the quality of your life. It can also help slow down lung damage. This can be achieved by going for regular health checkups and screenings to monitor your health,” said Dr Garde.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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