Four signs you may be suffering from same disease as Johnnie Walker as he dies aged 79

Johnnie Walker was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis back in 2020 (Image: Getty)

It was announced yesterday (December 31) that legendary BBC DJ Johnnie Walker had died at the age of 79.

The veteran radio star hosted BBC show Sounds Of The 70s and The Rock Show, but stepped down in October as he heartbreakingly admitted he was ready to die.

His death came after Walker began broadcasting his shows from his Dorset home as a result of being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis back in 2020. But what is the disease?

The PCCP Council of Occupational and Interstitial Lung Diseases in the Philippines gave information on Pulmonary Fibrosis via its TikTok account recently to raise awareness. They stated the disease "thickens and scars lung tissue, impairing proper lung function."

The council highlighted that Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is the most common type and carries a high mortality rate.

Early diagnosis is "crucial", they said, listing four main symptoms: persistent shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. They urged anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention.

Regular check-ups and lung function tests are recommended for those diagnosed, along with gentle exercise and a healthy lifestyle to aid wellbeing. 

The NHS supports these claims on its website, adding that rounded and swollen fingertips could also indicate IPF.

It also states that the disease typically strikes those aged around 70 to 75 and "is rare in people under 50". On the topic of treatments, it notes: "Several treatments can help reduce the rate at which IPF gets worse, but there's currently no treatment that can stop or reverse the scarring of the lungs."