Last week, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a chronic disease that affects the tissues around the air sacs, or alveoli, in the lungs.
Let’s be honest, many of us were unaware of IPF. A quick Google search enlightened us on what IPF really is. But Google ain’t no doctor, and NewsMobile decided to dig deep and understand IPF.
Speaking to Dr BP Singh, Pulmonologist, Director and President of Midland Health and Research Centre, Lucknow, NewsMobile discovered that IPF is a variety of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), and IPF variety is 20-30 per cent in India.
ILD has more than 250 varieties.
Despite being present, IPF has no cure. “Medication available for IPF can decrease the speed of the disease spread by 40 to 50 percent but no cure is found yet,” said Dr BP Singh.
Air Pollution Increases The Risk of IPF?
According to the doctor, the fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) can penetrate the lungs, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. This can exacerbate lung scarring or even trigger the disease in genetically predisposed individuals.
Even high Nitrogen Dioxide levels, primarily from vehicle emissions and industrial activities, are associated with increased lung inflammation and fibrosis risk.
“Cities with higher pollution levels have shown increased incidences of fibrotic lung diseases, including IPF,” said Dr BP Singh.
He adds, “Pollution may act as a trigger for disease onset or exacerbate the progression of IPF.”
So is Smoking or Pollution The Leading Cause?
Not really!
“Neither smoking nor pollution is considered the leading cause of IPF because the disease is, by definition, idiopathic—meaning its exact cause is unknown. However, both are significant risk factors that may contribute to its development and progression, particularly in individuals with genetic predispositions or other underlying vulnerabilities,” said Dr BP Singh.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is commonly found in people over the age of 50 and mostly in men.
Is there A Specific IPF Diet?
However, the doctor claims that there is no specific “IPF diet,” but he did stress that adopting a balanced and nutrient-rich eating plan can help people better cope with the disease and its symptoms.
“Chronic inflammation plays a role in IPF progression. Anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation,” said Dr BP Singh.
The diet must include fruits such as berries, oranges, apples, and cherries and vegetables such as Leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, and bell peppers.
• Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, and nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds).
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
There is a list of foods that must be avoided under this condition. “Certain foods can worsen symptoms like bloating, inflammation, or acid reflux, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties,” said Dr BP Singh.
Processed and fried foods are a big NO: Chips, fast food, and pastries.
• Sugary drinks and snacks: Soda, candies, and desserts.
• Foods causing bloating: Carbonated drinks, beans, cabbage, and broccoli (if problematic).
• Excess salt: This can lead to fluid retention and worsening breathlessness.
