Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away due to Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Why in news?

• Famous tabla player Zakir Hussain has died at the age of 73.
• He had a rare lung disease called 'Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis'.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)

• It is a chronic lung disease, which causes lesions in the lungs.
• Due to this lesion it becomes difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream.
• This causes breathing problems and other symptoms.
• This prevents other parts of the body from functioning properly.
• Its symptoms:
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Dry cough
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Rapid breathing; etc.
• Its causes:
  • Its exact cause is unknown. 
  • Several factors can increase the risk, including:
    • Smoking is a major risk factor for IPF.
    • Exposure to certain environmental pollutants, such as asbestos or silica dust, etc.
• Diagnosis:
  • Involves a combination of several tests, including:
  • Chest X-ray to look for scarring in the lungs
  • CT scan to get a more detailed image of the lungs
  • Pulmonary function tests to measure lung function
  • Lung biopsy to check for signs of scarring in the lung tissue
• Treatment:
  • There is currently no cure.
  • There are certain treatments to control the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease-
    • Anti-fibrotic drugs can help slow the growth of lesions in the lungs
    • Exercises to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life
    • Supplemental oxygen to relieve shortness of breath
    • Lung transplant may be an option in severe cases

Ustad Zakir Hussain

• Ustad Zakir Hussain was one of the most famous and revered tabla players of India.
• Born: March 9, 1951, Mumbai, India
• Son of tabla player Ustad Allah Rakha.
• Education: He learned tabla playing from his father.
• He has been awarded many prestigious awards for his unique tabla playing and incomparable contribution in the field of music-
  • Padma Vibhushan: By the Government of India in the year 2023
  • Padma Bhushan: By the Government of India in the year 2002
  • Padma Shri: This is by the Government of India in the year 1988
  • Sangeet Natak Akademi Award: In the year 1990 (This is India's highest music, drama and dance honor)
  • Grammy Award: He has also been awarded the Grammy Award many times.
  • Kalidas Samman: Year 2006 from the Government of Madhya Pradesh.
  • Akademi Ratna Award: Year 2019 from Sangeet Natak Akademi; etc