About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF):
What it is: A chronic, progressive lung disease causing scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue, making breathing difficult.
Causes:
Exact cause unknown (idiopathic).
Triggered by environmental factors (smoke, dust, pollution), genetic predisposition, and chronic inflammation.
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Dry cough
- Fatigue and unintended weight loss
- Low oxygen levels leading to complications like pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure.
A community of people called Manganiyars is well known for their (2014)
(a) Martial arts in North-East India
(b) Musical tradition in North-West India
(c) Classical vocal music in South India
(d) Pietra dura tradition in Central India
Read more: Ustad Zakir Hussain
