Tabla Legend Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73, Know How Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Can Be Fatal

Tabla Legend Zakir Hussain reportedly took his final breath after battling Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF); a cruel, relentless lung disease that robbed us of one of our most cherished artists– his family confirmed the same on Monday (December 16). This gut-wrenching news has swept across the country, causing each one of us to feel a deep sense of grief; for the rhythmic heartbeat of Indian classical music has fallen silent. For everyone out there, this loss feels personal.

Ustad Hussain had reportedly been in hospital for two weeks before his condition worsened. Complications closely linked to IPF proved too much for his body to bear. As we mourn his passing, we must be aware of what caused the four-time Grammy awardee’s untimely death, and how fatal it can be when it merges with related complications. Read on to know what experts say.

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What Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Dr. Harpalsinh Dabhi, Senior pulmonologist and critical care Physician, HCG Hospitals, Bhavnagar, says, “Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease marked by scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue, which gradually makes breathing more difficult. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and age-related factors. The condition primarily affects adults over the age of 50, with the risk increasing as people age. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is like living with lungs that slowly lose their ability to expand and contract, turning every breath into a challenge.”

“Idiopathic” means the cause is unknown, which makes the condition even worse and thus incurable. There is no clear trigger, and it only gets worse with time.

How Does IPF Manifest?

Our expert, Dr. Bhimasena Rao R S, Senior Consultant Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital Rajajinagar, Bangalore explains that patients commonly report a gradual onset (over several months) of dyspnea on exertion and a nonproductive cough. Fatigue, fever, myalgias, and arthralgias are rarely reported. Bibasilar crackles are usually audible on physical examination but may be absent or heard unilaterally in the early stages of the disease. Additionally, clubbing (deformation of the nail base) is a manifestation of advanced IPF.

Who Is At Risk?

According to Dr Rao, the onset of IPF typically occurs in patients aged 60 years and older, except in those with familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF), where the disease presents earlier. Male patients appear to be at increased risk, and the majority of patients have a history of cigarette smoking. Hussain’s untimely death is a stark reminder that even the strongest, most disciplined individuals are not always immune to such devastating illnesses.

How Is IPF Diagnosed?

“Diagnosis involves a thorough history, environmental exposure assessment, high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and blood tests to rule out other causes of interstitial lung disease (ILD). The diagnosis of IPF requires the exclusion of other known causes of ILD and the presence of either definite or probable features of UIP on HRCT. Multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) involving specialists from pulmonary, pathology, radiology, and sometimes rheumatology improves diagnostic accuracy and is considered the gold standard”, explains Dr Rao.

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Comorbidity And IPF Complications

IPF doesn’t just damage the lungs; it merges with innumerable other problems that worsen the affected individual’s quality of life and deteriorate their condition further. A review by PubMed Central lists the following complications and comorbid conditions.

Pulmonary Hypertension: Scarring in the lungs makes the heart work harder to pump blood, often leading to heart failure.

Lung Cancer: Those with IPF are up to five times more likely to develop lung cancer.

Chronic Respiratory Failure: As breathing becomes harder, the body slowly loses its ability to function properly.

Sleep Disorders: Oxygen levels drop dangerously low during sleep, leaving patients exhausted and drained.

Gastroesophageal Reflux: Stomach acid can enter the lungs, worsening the damage over time.

Additionally, Dr Rao shares that the differential diagnosis of IPF also includes other diseases with histopathologic features of UIP, such as rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis [RA], systemic sclerosis), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asbestosis, and certain drug-induced lung diseases. 

Why We Must Care About IPF?

IPF remains under-recognised, often misdiagnosed until it is too late. Dr Rao highlights that most cases of IPF progress despite treatment. Management strategies include oxygen therapy, steroids in some cases, antifibrotic drugs, pulmonary rehabilitation, and other supportive care measures, all aimed at slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. 

Lung transplantation may be considered for some younger IPF patients. UIP-IPF significantly reduces the survival of affected individuals. The road for IPF patients is eclipsed with uncertainty and challenge.

A Heartbreaking Farewell

As we bid farewell to Zakir Hussain, let us not only remember his music but also shine a light on the disease that took him from us. His life is a poignant reminder of  the preciousness of health, and the urgency of raising awareness.

The legend’s family rightly said in a statement that they gave to an Indian media outlet, "His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time”.