Decoding IPF

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a rare, chronic and progressive lung disease

- Dr. Sulaiman Ladhani

Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain's death earlier this week sent shock waves around the world. The multiple-Grammy Award winner reportedly died due to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

IPF is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by the development of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. Over time, this scarring causes the lungs to become stiff, reducing their ability to expand and take in oxygen from the air. The condition is termed "idiopathic" because its exact cause remains unknown, although risk factors like smoking, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions may contribute.

Symptoms

Key symptoms include:

Progressive shortness of breath: Initially noticeable during physical exertion, this symptom worsens with time.

Dry cough: A persistent cough without mucus production is a common symptom.

Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness due to the decreased oxygen levels.

Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is often observed in advanced stages.

Rapid, shallow breathing: Breathing becomes more labored and less efficient as lung function declines.

Chest pain or tightness: Some patients experience discomfort in the chest due to strained lung function.