Lupus: 5 Things To Know About Selena Gomez’s Disease

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Over two years after Selena Gomez told fans she has lupus, the singer shocked fans by revealing that the disease forced her to have a kidney transplant. Here’s everything you need to know about the autoimmune disease she’s facing!

Just shocking. On Sept. 14, Selena Gomez, 25, revealed to her fandom why she’s had such a low-key summer — she was undergoing a kidney transplant! That’s right, and if that isn’t mind-blowing on its own, her dear friend Francia Raisa volunteered her kidney for the pop star! So touching. It turns out her battle with lupus has taken a toll on the songstress’s system, forcing her to undergo the procedure. Fortunately for her, her dear friend was willing to help her. Take a peek at more Selena pics right here!

“I’m very aware some of my fans had noticed I was laying low for part of the summer and questioning why I wasn’t promoting my new music, which I was extremely proud of,” she captioned a photo of herself and Francia side-by-side in the hospital together. “So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering. It was what I needed to do for my overall health. I honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon my journey through this past several months as I have always wanted to do with you.” We’re betting we’re going to be learning more details about Selena’s insane summer before long. But until then, let’s get to know Sel’s disease as little better.

1. Lupus is a chronic disease that affects the immune system. Lupus occurs when something goes wrong with the immune system and it can’t tell the difference between the body’s health tissues and foreign invaders (bacteria, germs, and viruses). Because it’s chronic, the signs and symptoms of lupus usually last for at least six weeks and oftentimes many years.

2. Depression and anxiety are hidden side effects of lupus. One of the most prevalent symptoms of lupus is “debilitating fatigue,” Sarah Stothers, RN, told Medical Daily. Other common symptoms of lupus include painful or swollen joints, butterfly-shaped rashes on the face, headaches, and even hair loss.

3. Selena definitely isn’t alone in suffering from the disease. It’s estimated that there’s more than 5 million people around the world who have some form of lupus. Although it’s most common in women (aged 15-44), men, children, and teens can also develop the disease. In the U.S., more than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported each year.

4. Lupus is not like or related to cancer. Chemotherapy is a form of treatment for lupus — which Selena even underwent — but that does not mean it has any relation to cancer. Cancer has to do with malignant, abnormal tissues that spread into surrounding tissues, which is much different than an autoimmune disease like lupus.

5. It can be life-threatening, but not in every case. Fans may be concerned that Selena’s life is in danger because of her lupus, but they shouldn’t get ahead of themselves. While the disease ranges from mild to life-threatening, with the care of a good doctor, people with lupus can live a full life. And we’re sure Selena is under fantastic care!

HollywoodLifers, send your love to Selena as she recovers from her surgery!