Latest news with #IPF
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Lung disease: Man given one year to live after surprise diagnosis; what you need to know about IPF
A deadly lung disease was discovered in a 68-year-old man during a routine check-up. What seemed like a harmless appointment quickly turned into something far more serious—one that would eventually land him in the hospital. Christopher Kennedy, 68, went in for a simple X-ray before routine surgery, expecting it to be a quick visit. Instead, doctors spotted scarring on his lungs. Kennedy, a healthy, active retired Air Force tech who trained therapy dogs, had no clue anything was wrong. But after more tests, he got hit with a tough diagnosis: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) — a lung disease with no clear cause that slowly robs you of breath, CBS News reported. At first, he thought he could fight it off. But by 2024, his doctors gave him a heartbreaking prognosis: less than a year to live. Later he underwent a lung transplant and his lung capacity is currently 98%. "He is back to spending time with his wife, children and grandkids. He is able to exercise at home and was recently able to take his dog for a walk without losing his breath. He's almost done training the canine, a Bernese Mountain dog named Fini, to be a hospital therapy dog," the report says. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: The lung disease you've probably never heard of—but should Let's talk about your lungs—not in a scary way, but in a 'this-is-good-to-know' way. There's a sneaky disease out there called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF for short. It sounds like a mouthful, and honestly, it kind of is. But here's the deal: this condition is serious, underdiagnosed, and affects thousands of people, especially older adults. And the kicker? We still don't really know what causes it. So, what exactly is IPF? At its core, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that messes with your lungs by causing scar tissue to build up inside them. Think of it like slowly wrapping your lungs in shrink-wrap. The more scar tissue, the harder it is to breathe. Over time, people with IPF find themselves gasping for air just doing simple things like walking to the kitchen or climbing a few stairs. The word 'idiopathic' basically means 'we don't know why it happens,' which is a frustrating part of this disease. Unlike lung issues caused by smoking, pollution, or working in dusty environments, IPF just shows up uninvited. No clear reason, no obvious trigger. One day your lungs are fine, and the next, they start stiffening up like they're made of cardboard. What are the signs something's wrong? Here's where things get tricky. The symptoms of IPF are super vague—things like a dry cough that won't quit or being out of breath more than usual. It's easy to write these off as just getting older, being out of shape, or dealing with allergies. That's why so many people get diagnosed late, sometimes when the disease has already taken a major toll. According to the American Lung Association , IPF can sneak up on people because its symptoms often mimic other, more common lung issues. Most folks start noticing signs somewhere between age 50 and 70, but by then, it's easy to chalk things up to aging or being 'a little out of shape.' That's why it's crucial to speak up if you feel something's off—especially if you're out of breath from basic activities, dealing with a nagging dry cough, or feeling unusually tired. Even symptoms like unintended weight loss, achy joints, or weird changes in your fingertips (called 'clubbing') could be clues. If you've got any family history of lung disease or have worked around chemicals or pollutants, don't keep it to yourself—tell your doctor. And don't be afraid to push for answers if your symptoms aren't improving. PF has many causes, and getting the right diagnosis means seeing a specialist who knows what to look for. Early action can help manage symptoms and give you more control over your health. Why IPF deserves more attention right now Also, let's face it—breathing is kind of a big deal. You don't want to take it for granted. If you or someone you love is dealing with a mysterious cough or unexplained shortness of breath, it's worth getting it checked out. The sooner IPF is caught, the more options you have.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A dog trainer had no symptoms. An X-ray found a terminal disease
When Christopher Kennedy went to have an X-ray before a routine surgery, he thought he would be in and out. Then a technician spotted scarring in his lungs. Kennedy, 68 at the time, had never noticed any warning signs. He was a retired Air Force technician who exercised regularly and spent his time landscaping his backyard and training Bernese Mountain dogs to be hospital therapy animals. After several tests, a pulmonologist gave him an alarming diagnosis: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF. It's a type of lung disease with no known cause where scar tissue grows in the lungs and prevents oxygen from reaching the bloodstream, according to Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association and pulmonologist at Johns Hopkins, who was not involved in Kennedy's care. The condition is progressive with a "high mortality rate," Galiatsatos said. At first, Kennedy thought he could "beat" the disease. But as his lung function degraded, he realized that was "baloney." Medications meant to slow the progressive fibrosis weren't working, and he was starting to need oxygen in his daily life. Even walking to the kitchen was leaving him winded. In 2024, Cleveland Clinic pulmonologist Dr. Aman Pande confirmed Kennedy's worst fear: He had less than a year to live. "We all wonder, as human beings, how we're going to go," Kennedy said. "And you never know. It's a great mystery. Well, for the first time in my life, I was told 'This is how you're going to go.'" "You come out one of two ways" Pande did have one option for Kennedy: They could see if he was eligible for a double-lung transplant. Kennedy, at 74, was older than most patients who undergo the operation, but he was otherwise a promising candidate, Pande said. Lung transplants are usually the final option offered to IPF patients, Pande said, and are usually curative, though a small percentage of patients can see the condition recur. Kennedy was initially resistant to the idea, because his younger brother had died after the same procedure. But after more convincing from Pande, he agreed to undergo testing to see if he would be eligible. Cleveland Clinic doctors "scoured everything," Kennedy said. Finally, he was approved as a candidate. He was registered on the national transplant list, and waited for a pair of suitable lungs to become available. As the months passed, Kennedy's lung function continued to degrade. He went from using two liters of oxygen a day to 10. He had a mild case of COVID-19. He lost more than 40 pounds. In October 2025, he was admitted to the hospital. "Dr. (Jason) Turkowski, (a transplant pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic) said 'OK, we're going to admit you and you come out one of two ways: With a set of lungs, or we're going to carry you out,'" Kennedy recalled. "You're reminded every breath matters" Kennedy spent a month in the hospital. There were two false alarms, where it seemed that a pair of lungs might be available but ultimately were not. The third time was the charm, and on Nov. 15, Kennedy underwent a double-lung transplant. "It was a relief. I was apprehensive, obviously, and anxious. I can remember going into the operating room," Kennedy said. "I can remember the flurry of activity, all the people that were in there getting me ready for the surgery. Next thing you know, you're in your room." Just hours after the surgery, Kennedy's lung capacity was already better than it had been in months. He had several setbacks, including a post-surgery infection and a stroke, but his "indomitable spirit" has helped him recover, said pulmonologist Rachel Powers, who has been part of Kennedy's post-transplant care team. "I'm very proud of him. He really has kept a very good perspective of his course of recovery," Powers said. "He's kept such a good outlook, and I think that's been really important for some of the things that he's had to overcome after transplant." For Kennedy, now 75, life is now beginning to feel normal again. Tests show that his lung capacity is at 98%. He is back to spending time with his wife, children and grandkids. He is able to exercise at home and was recently able to take his dog for a walk without losing his breath. He's almost done training the canine, a Bernese Mountain dog named Fini, to be a hospital therapy dog. Kennedy had believed Fini would be the last therapy dog he trained, and named him after the retirement flights conducted by Air Force members. But in a few weeks, he'll be getting a new puppy. He plans to name her Encore to celebrate his own second chance. Training hospital therapy dogs has become even more meaningful after his own medical journey, he said. "There's a lot of things that are different in my life. It gives you great perspective and proportion of life, of what's important and what isn't," Kennedy said. "You take every breath for granted, because, you know, why would you not? But as soon as they become compromised, you're reminded every breath matters. It keeps you centered." Johnson says Jeffrey Epstein files controversy is not a hoax Idaho murders documents released after Bryan Kohberger is sentenced to life in prison While many believe 10,000 steps a day is optimal, new study suggests different Solve the daily Crossword
United News of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Gita Gopinath set to leave IMF, will join Harvard economics faculty
New Delhi, July 22 (UNI) Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD) at the IMF, will leave the organization at the end of August and rejoin Harvard University as the inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics. This announcement was made by Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The International Monetary Fund is a global institution and specialized agency of the United Nations. It is headquartered in Washington D.C. Gita Gopinath joined the IMF in January 2019 and rose to the post of deputy managing director of the Fund in 2022. In her post on X, she said, 'I will now return to my roots in academia where I look to push the research journey in the domain of international finance and macroeconomics to tackle the ongoing economic challenges.' In making the announcement of Gita's departure from the IMF, MD Kristalina applauded her and highlighted her leadership qualities and commitment to the members and mission of the International Monetary Fund. Kristalina said, 'The analytical rigor of Gita Gopinath in framing the policies of international finance is extraordinary. Gita also played an instrumental role in monitoring the country's surveillance and Fund country programs, especially for Argentina and Ukraine,' she added Gita Gopinath was the first female Chief Economist in the history of the IMF. She has a rare combination of brilliance and humility. In her tenure of five years at the IMF, Gita led some initiatives, including the expansion of the Fund's work on the IPF or Integrated Policy Framework program. Gita also co-authored the Pandemic plan on how to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. After Gita stepped down from the IMF, there were multiple challenges across the fund amid economic uncertainties. The successor of Gopinath is yet to be announced. UNI SAS PRS
Al Etihad
21-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Gita Gopinath to leave IMF, to rejoin Harvard economics faculty
21 July 2025 22:41 WASHINGTON (ALETIHAD)International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva announced on Monday that Gita Gopinath, the Fund's First Deputy Managing Director (FDMD), will step down at the end of August to return to Harvard will take up the position of inaugural Gregory and Ania Coffey Professor of Economics in the Department of joined the IMF in January 2019 as Chief Economist and was appointed FDMD in January a media statement, Georgieva praised Gopinath as 'an outstanding colleague—an exceptional intellectual leader, dedicated to the mission and members of the Fund, and a fabulous manager, always showing genuine care for the professional standing and wellbeing of our staff.'She continued: 'She came to the Fund as a highly respected academic in macroeconomics and international finance. Admiration for Gita only grew through her time at the Fund, where her analytical rigour was paired with practical policy advice to the membership during an especially challenging period, which included the pandemic, wars, the cost-of-living crisis, and major shifts in the global trading system.'Georgieva also highlighted Gopinath's leadership on policy and surveillance: 'Gita steered the Fund's analytical and policy work with clarity, striving for the highest standards of rigorous analysis at a complex time of high uncertainty and a rapidly changing global economic environment. She oversaw the Fund's multilateral surveillance and analytical work on fiscal and monetary policy, debt, and international trade.'She noted that Gopinath played a key role in country programmes, including for Argentina and Ukraine, and regularly represented the Fund at major international platforms, including the G-7 and G-20.'She has a rare combination of brilliance and humility, which we have all come to admire,' Georgieva added.'As Chief Economist, Gita ensured that the World Economic Outlook remained the preeminent report on the global economy—an especially impressive achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic.''She also spearheaded the Fund's work on the Integrated Policy Framework (IPF), which helps countries develop policies for macroeconomic and financial stability. Gita co-authored the Pandemic Plan on how to end the COVID-19 crisis—an intellectual contribution widely hailed for setting global vaccination targets at a feasible cost.'Commenting on her departure, Gopinath said: 'I am truly grateful for my time at the IMF, first as Chief Economist and then as First Deputy Managing Director. I have had the privilege of working closely with the IMF's brilliant and committed staff, colleagues in management, the Executive Board, and country authorities.'She added: 'I am especially thankful to Kristalina and her predecessor, Christine Lagarde, for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve the IMF's membership during a period of unprecedented challenges.' 'I now return to my roots in academia, where I look forward to continuing to push the research frontier in international finance and macroeconomics to address global challenges, and to training the next generation of economists.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Chandra Barot, director of Amitabh Bachchan's iconic film ‘Don,' passes away at 86
Veteran filmmaker Chandra Barot, best known for helming Amitabh Bachchan's 1978 cult classic Don, passed away at a hospital in Mumbai on Sunday (July 20). He was 86. Chandra was battling 'Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis' (IPF-fibrosis of lungs) for the past 11 years and had been receiving treatment at the Guru Nanak Hospital, as per his family. 'Chandra passed away at the Guru Nanak Hospital this morning at 6.30 due to cardiac arrest caused by a chest infection. He had IPF, which is fibrosis of the lungs, for the past 11 years,' his wife, Deepa Barot told PTI. Farhan Akhtar, who is directing the third film in the renewed Don franchise, paid tribute to Chandra on Instagram, writing, 'Saddened to learn that the director of the OG Don is no more. RIP Chandra Barot-ji. Deepest condolences to the family.' Born and raised in Tanzania, Chandra worked at the Barclays Bank in Dara-es-Salam, before racial turmoil forced him to leave the country in 1967. In India, he pursued his passion in filmmaking and joined late veteran actor-director Manoj Kumar as an assistant director, working in films such as Purab Aur Pachhim, Yaadgaar, Shor andRoti Kapada Aur Makaan. In 1978, he made a film he would forever be remembered for: the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer, Don, which had a script written by Salim–Javed. However, pundits would fondly remember him for the reason he directed the film in the first place. Chandra wanted to help his friend, cinematographer-producer Nariman Irani, who had suffered terrible financial losses reportedly due to the failure of 1972's Zindagi Zindagi. After Don, Chandra helmed the Bengali film Aashrita in 1989, and returned to Hindi cinema with 1991's Pyar Bhara Dil. Chandra's subsequent projects, Hong Kong Wali Script and Neil Ko never saw the light of the day. However, Don lived on. In 2006, the film was rebooted in a new franchise by director Farhan Akhtar and lead star Shah Rukh Khan. They reunited again for a sequel, the 2011's Don 2: The King Is Back. Farhan is now making a third Don film with actor Ranveer Singh in the lead. The legacy of Don stretches far and beyond Bollywood, paving way for renditions headlined by the likes of Rajinikanth, Ajith Kumar, Prabhas and Mohanlal. Chandra Barot is survived by his wife and a son. The news about Chandra's death has shocked the film industry. Fans, well-wishers and colleagues from the film fraternity have been expressing their condolences. (with inputs from PTI)
