Description

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Context

As Zakir Hussain, tabla maestro and five-time Grammy Award winner, passed away in San Francisco due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), there are concerns as to how this happens and the age group vulnerable to it.

About the disease

IPF is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue.

The term idiopathic indicates that the exact cause of the condition is unknown.

IPF leads to a gradual decline in lung function making it harder for the lungs to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.

Features of IPF

Feature	Details
Main Symptom	Breathlessness (dyspnea)
Gender Predominance	More common in men than women
Progression	Irreversible and progressive lung damage

Causes and Risk Factors

Although the exact cause of IPF is unknown several risk factors are associated with its development:

Most commonly diagnosed in individuals over 50 years.

Men are at a slightly higher risk compared to women.

Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of IPF.

Family history of pulmonary fibrosis can predispose individuals to IPF.

Long-term exposure to pollutants such as:

Dust (metal, wood, or stone)

Asbestos

Silica

Chronic acid reflux may contribute to lung damage.

Pathophysiology

In IPF, the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) and surrounding tissues become inflamed and scarred.

Over time collagen accumulation causes the lung tissue to become thickened and stiff.

This leads to:

Reduced lung elasticity

Impaired gas exchange.

As fibrosis progresses lung function worsens resulting in severe hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels).

Treatment

IPF has no cure but treatments aim to slow progression, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Medications:

Antifibrotic Drugs

Supportive Medications.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

Combines exercise, education and breathing techniques to improve physical endurance and manage symptoms.

Oxygen Therapy:

Supplemental oxygen helps maintain adequate oxygen levels.

Lung Transplant:

In advanced cases lung transplantation may be an option for eligible patients.

Must read article on lungs: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/chronic-pulmonary-aspergillosis

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about human lungs:

The right lung is larger than the left lung.
The primary function of the lungs is the exchange of gases specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Lungs are surrounded by a double-layered membrane called the pleura.

Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The right lung is larger than the left lung because the left lung makes space for the heart. The right lung has three lobes whereas the left lung has two lobes.

Statement 2 is correct. The primary function of the lungs is to facilitate gas exchange. Oxygen enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is expelled.

Statement 3 is correct. The pleura is a double-layered membrane that surrounds each lung providing protection and reducing friction during breathing.

Thus, all three statements are correct.