Tom Dees, a reporter for Fox13, passed away on Thursday, February 9, at the age of 57, as a result of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) complications.

Tom Dees worked as a multimedia journalist for many years, according to a statement from Fox13, and “crisscrossed North Mississippi alone, sometimes producing a few articles a day.” The statement went on to say: “The genuine residents of the area, on whom the stories had the most influence, were virtually always represented in those stories. Tom had little trouble locating those actual folks because he himself was one. There was no pretension for Tom Dees in a field notorious for egos and huge personalities. He left for his News car each day to serve his town wearing a white dress shirt, khakis, and a large belt buckle. His funeral arrangements will be handled by Coleman Funeral Home in Olive Branch, and further details will be made public soon.

What is Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? 

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a lung condition that impairs breathing. When a person breathes in, oxygen travels through the tiny air sacs in the lungs before entering the circulation. Then it gets to the organs.

Breathing becomes difficult as a result of the growth of scar tissue inside the lungs. Scar tissue from IPF restricts oxygen passage from the lungs to the blood, which can seriously impair the body’s ability to operate normally.

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Symptoms

The disease’s primary symptoms include a dry, hacking cough, chest discomfort, leg swelling, appetite loss, fatigue, feeling short of breath, joint and muscle pain, weight loss, and clubbing.

Men are more likely than women to experience it, and it is frequent in adults over 50. People who smoke frequently, have acid reflux illness, or breathe in wood or metal dust at work or at home may get it.

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People can still live with it for ten years or longer even if there is currently no known treatment for it.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing IPF, individuals should avoid known risk factors, such as smoking and exposure to lung irritants. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Early detection and treatment of IPF can help slow the progression of the disease, so if you experience any symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation. In conclusion, although IPF cannot be prevented, reducing risk factors and seeking early treatment can improve the prognosis for individuals with the condition.