What disease does Selena Gomez have continues to spark curiosity among fans as the multi-talented actress and singer openly shares her health journey. Selena has been living with lupus, a chronic autoimmune condition that has significantly impacted her career and personal life since her diagnosis nearly a decade ago.
The “Only Murders in the Building” star first revealed her lupus diagnosis in 2015, breaking her silence about the mysterious illness that had forced her to step back from the spotlight. This brave disclosure helped millions of Americans understand a disease that affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States, with women representing 90% of those diagnosed.
Understanding Lupus: The Disease Behind Selena’s Struggles
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. Symptoms of lupus include muscle and joint pain, fever, rashes, chest pain, hair loss, kidney problems, fatigue and more. The unpredictable nature of lupus makes it particularly challenging, as symptoms can flare up unexpectedly and vary greatly between individuals.
For Selena, the disease manifested in ways that initially puzzled both her and medical professionals. The singer has described experiencing extreme fatigue, joint pain, and other debilitating symptoms that interfered with her ability to perform and tour.
The Life-Changing Kidney Transplant
Perhaps the most serious complication of Selena’s lupus journey occurred when the disease attacked her kidneys. In September 2017, Selena Gomez shared that she’d undergone a kidney transplant at just 24, due to lupus-related organ damage. Her best friend, Francia Raisa, served as the donor in this life-saving procedure.
Selena developed a common but serious lupus complication, lupus nephritis, which occurs when lupus causes inflammation of the kidneys. This condition can be life-threatening if left untreated, making Selena’s transplant not just necessary but crucial for her survival.
Current Health Management and Advocacy
Today, Selena continues managing her lupus through various treatments and lifestyle modifications. Getting quality sleep, reducing stress and quitting smoking can also help manage lupus, according to medical experts who emphasize the importance of comprehensive care approaches.
The Disney alum has transformed her health struggles into a platform for advocacy and awareness. She regularly speaks about lupus research and has become a prominent voice for the Lupus Research Alliance, helping to fund critical research that could benefit millions of patients worldwide.
Impact on Career and Mental Health
Selena’s lupus diagnosis significantly affected her career trajectory and mental health. The unpredictable nature of the disease forced her to cancel tours and step back from commitments, leading to speculation and rumors before she publicly disclosed her condition.
The singer has been transparent about how lupus contributed to anxiety and depression, highlighting the interconnected nature of physical and mental health challenges. Her openness has helped reduce stigma surrounding chronic illness and mental health struggles.
Looking Forward: Hope Through Research
Medical advances continue to offer hope for lupus patients like Selena. New medications may help save others from going through what I did, and many other breakthroughs are on the way, Selena has shared, expressing optimism about future treatments.
Her advocacy work focuses on supporting research initiatives that could lead to better treatments and potentially a cure for lupus. The Rare Beauty founder regularly uses her platform to educate followers about autoimmune diseases and the importance of early diagnosis.
As Selena prepares for her upcoming wedding to Benny Blanco and continues her successful acting career, she remains committed to managing her health while inspiring others facing similar challenges. Her journey demonstrates that chronic illness doesn’t have to define or limit one’s potential for success and happiness.
Stay informed about Selena Gomez’s health journey and lupus awareness by following reliable health news sources and advocacy organizations working toward better treatments for autoimmune diseases.