<p>Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease, has become a widely-searched topic online after renowned tabla player and composer <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/zakir-hussain">Zakir Hussain</a> passed away due to the condition on Monday.</p><p>Experts note that people aged 50 years and above are at risk for developing the condition that has no known causes. "The lung tissue, which is spongy, thickens and stiffens over time, developing scarring for unclear reasons. This is called fibrosis. It is called idiopathic because the cause is unknown," said Dr Ravindra Mehta, pulmonologist at a private clinic and hospital in Bengaluru.</p><p>The disease manifests as persistent dry cough and shortness of breath lasting longer than four to six weeks, which then progresses into difficulty in breathing due to reduced lung capacity and compromised functional capabilities, affecting routine activities, Dr Mehta said.</p><p>Since there are no identified causes, prevention is tricky but protecting oneself from prolonged exposure to pollution and smoke will help. "It is best for people to avoid prolonged exposure to dust or asbestos, especially taxi and auto drivers, bike taxi drivers, quarry and factory workers, or people who work or live in really polluted areas," said Dr Shivakumara Swamy, Professor and HoD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, Bengaluru.</p>.RIP Zakir Hussain: 5 unforgettable tracks of the tabla maestro.<p>Pigeon droppings can also be dangerous as they can lead to lung infection and subsequent scarring and damage, he added.</p><p>Those at risk should get routinely checked, and prolonged cough and breathlessness should be examined by a specialist who might order a chest x-ray or a CT scan, clinical evaluations and even a biopsy, if necessary, noted the experts. </p><p>There is also no cure for this condition; early detection and medication can only slow down progression of the disease. Once diagnosed, a patient is also prone to repeated lung infection and is also at risk of heart complications due to increased pressure on the heart. "In the past, unfortunately, the outcome was that 50 per cent of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis wouldn't survive longer than three years after diagnosis but that has slowly improved now. Medication will help but if the disease progresses to advanced stages, lung transplant is the only option," Dr Mehta explained.</p>
<p>Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic, progressive lung disease, has become a widely-searched topic online after renowned tabla player and composer <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/zakir-hussain">Zakir Hussain</a> passed away due to the condition on Monday.</p><p>Experts note that people aged 50 years and above are at risk for developing the condition that has no known causes. "The lung tissue, which is spongy, thickens and stiffens over time, developing scarring for unclear reasons. This is called fibrosis. It is called idiopathic because the cause is unknown," said Dr Ravindra Mehta, pulmonologist at a private clinic and hospital in Bengaluru.</p><p>The disease manifests as persistent dry cough and shortness of breath lasting longer than four to six weeks, which then progresses into difficulty in breathing due to reduced lung capacity and compromised functional capabilities, affecting routine activities, Dr Mehta said.</p><p>Since there are no identified causes, prevention is tricky but protecting oneself from prolonged exposure to pollution and smoke will help. "It is best for people to avoid prolonged exposure to dust or asbestos, especially taxi and auto drivers, bike taxi drivers, quarry and factory workers, or people who work or live in really polluted areas," said Dr Shivakumara Swamy, Professor and HoD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, Bengaluru.</p>.RIP Zakir Hussain: 5 unforgettable tracks of the tabla maestro.<p>Pigeon droppings can also be dangerous as they can lead to lung infection and subsequent scarring and damage, he added.</p><p>Those at risk should get routinely checked, and prolonged cough and breathlessness should be examined by a specialist who might order a chest x-ray or a CT scan, clinical evaluations and even a biopsy, if necessary, noted the experts. </p><p>There is also no cure for this condition; early detection and medication can only slow down progression of the disease. Once diagnosed, a patient is also prone to repeated lung infection and is also at risk of heart complications due to increased pressure on the heart. "In the past, unfortunately, the outcome was that 50 per cent of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis wouldn't survive longer than three years after diagnosis but that has slowly improved now. Medication will help but if the disease progresses to advanced stages, lung transplant is the only option," Dr Mehta explained.</p>