What Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Life Expectancy? Exploring Diane Ladd's Death at 89 and Her 6-Year Battle

The news of Diane Ladd’s death at 89 has brought attention to a rare but serious lung condition. The legendary actress, known for her roles in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and Wild at Heart, passed away in her California home, with her daughter Laura Dern by her side. Ladd was open about her 6-year journey with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a disease she was first diagnosed with in 2018. 

Her resilience and openness helped spark wider conversations about this often misunderstood condition. To better understand IPF, we reached out to Dr Sunil Kumar K, Lead Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

Diane Ladd's Death Cause

While her official cause of death hasn’t been formally declared, reports make it clear that Ladd had battled idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in her final years. It is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing more and more difficult over time. Ladd spoke candidly about her struggles, describing how the disease impacted her daily life and how she tried to stay strong for her family and for herself. Her experience reflects the reality faced by many with this diagnosis.

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What Is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Dr Sunil Kumar K explains, “Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a long-term lung disease where the tissues inside the lungs become thick, stiff, and scarred for unknown reasons. This scarring makes it hard for the lungs to work properly and for oxygen to pass into the blood. Over time, people with IPF may feel shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, and may have a dry, persistent cough. The exact cause of IPF is not known, but it may be linked to factors like smoking, certain infections, or environmental exposure.”

Life Expectancy and Living with IPF

One of the toughest questions for anyone diagnosed with IPF is about life expectancy. Dr Kumar shares, “The life expectancy of a person with pulmonary fibrosis depends on how fast the disease progresses and how well the treatment works. On average, people live about three to five years after being diagnosed, but this can vary. Some live longer if the disease is slow-growing or if they respond well to treatment.”

He continues, “Early diagnosis, healthy lifestyle choices, and proper medical care can help improve quality of life and survival. Newer medicines and treatments, like antifibrotic drugs, can also help slow down lung damage. Lung transplant may be an option for some patients in advanced stages.”

A study explained that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious lung disease that usually worsens over time. On average, before newer treatments became available, people diagnosed with IPF lived about 3 to 5 years after diagnosis. However, advances in antifibrotic medicines have helped slow down the disease, improving both lifespan and quality of life.

Causes and Who’s at Risk of IPF

Dr Kumar notes that IPF is more common in people over 50, but anyone can get it. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially while moving around
• Persistent dry cough
• Unexplained tiredness or weakness
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Clubbing (rounded fingers or toes)

He adds, “As the disease progresses, breathing can become difficult even at rest. Early signs are easy to mistake for other lung issues, which is why many people aren’t diagnosed until the condition is advanced.”

Risk factors, according to Dr Kumar:

• No definite cause in most cases (“idiopathic” means unknown origin)
• Smoking, long-term exposure to dust or harmful chemicals
• Certain viral infections
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Some cancer or heart medications
• Family/genetic factors in rare cases

Treatment Options for IPF

Dr Kumar says, “There is no complete cure, but treatments can help slow down the disease, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.” He outlines options such as:

• Antifibrotic drugs (pirfenidone, nintedanib)
• Oxygen therapy and regular check-ups
• Pulmonary rehabilitation exercises
• Lung transplant for selected patients
• Supportive care, including nutrition and infection prevention
• Regular doctor visits are crucial. “Early detection helps in slowing the disease and improving comfort,” Dr Kumar stresses.

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Conclusion

The passing of Diane Ladd reminds us of both the seriousness of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the individual variability that exists within the condition. While many patients face a life expectancy of around 3 to 5 years after diagnosis, her case shows that living beyond that is possible. Care, monitoring, intervention and overall health all matter. If you or someone you know is facing IPF, early consultation with a pulmonologist, careful lifestyle, and treatment adherence can make a meaningful difference.