American singer-songwriter Halsey opened up about her recent health issues with her Instagram followers this week.
While announcing her fifth studio album and releasing its lead single, The End, Halsey, 29, said on Instagram: “Simply put, I'm lucky to be alive. In short, I wrote an album.”
It goes on to show emotional images and videos of the Without Me pop star in hospital, receiving treatment and saying her health makes her feel like an old woman, along with hashtags from the Lupus Research Alliance and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
This post sparked thousands of heartfelt comments and well wishes from fans and other celebrities, including Katy Perry, who said, “I love you, sweet girl.”
Commenting on the American singer's recent announcement, Albert T. Roy, CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance, said: “The Lupus Research Alliance commends Halsey's bravery in using her platform to raise awareness and support much-needed research to find new treatments and diagnoses. for a disease that affects each person differently.
“His candor elevates the conversation to focus attention on a serious autoimmune disease that is often overlooked and misdiagnosed.
“This is an extremely hopeful time for lupus, with many potential therapies in development.”
What is lupus?
Bupa UK describes lupus as an autoimmune condition, meaning it is caused by the immune system reacting against the body's tissues, causing inflammation in various parts of the body.
Because of this, it can affect the joints and skin of those who suffer from it, as well as the kidneys and lungs.
The health company also states that the condition can be mild or severe, and is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 55.
There are different types of lupus but the most common is systemic lupus erythematosus.
What are the symptoms?
According to the NHS, joint and muscle pain, extreme tiredness and rashes (often on the nose and cheeks) can be telltale early signs of the condition.
However, Dr. Sarah Brewer, independent medical nutritionist (drsarahbrewer.com) echoed the fact that symptoms can differ between patients.
“People with lupus can have many different symptoms,” Brewer explained. “A characteristic butterfly-shaped rash may appear on the nose and cheeks. Rashes may also appear on the ears, arms, shoulders, chest, and palms of the hands.
“Chest pain, hair loss, dry mouth and eyes, mouth ulcers, and rash after exposure to sunlight are some of the less obvious symptoms of lupus,” he added.
“Watch for swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, headaches, dizziness, and also kidney problems. Also common is Raynaud's phenomenon, in which the fingers turn white, blue, and then red when exposed to cold temperatures.”
How is it treated?
People experiencing persistent lupus symptoms are advised to contact their local GP as the condition is best managed if detected and treated early.
Receiving a diagnosis will usually involve a combination of blood tests and a referral to a specialist, who will look at both test results and symptom patterns.
Common treatment for lupus on the NHS includes anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, hydroxychloroquine for fatigue and skin and joint problems, and/or steroid tablets, injections and creams for kidney inflammation and rashes.
Depending on the health agency, sometimes immunosuppressive drugs or biological medications are also used to treat severe lupus, as they can help calm or control the patient's immune system.
Lifestyle changes can also play an important role in managing the condition, such as eating well, keeping stress levels under control, and getting enough rest.
