Selena Gomez says transplant saved her life as she speaks of deadly condition

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 03: Selena Gomez attends the 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 03, 2025 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society)
-Credit:Stewart Cook/CBS via Getty Images


Selena Gomez has spoken out about a common but often silent condition that she called a "life or death" situation. Reflecting on her experience, the singer and actor shared her journey of undergoing a kidney transplant and her mission to raise awareness about the disease to support others.

After being diagnosed with lupus, Gomez underwent regular tests to monitor her kidneys. Her doctors later discovered she had lupus nephritis, a serious complication of the disease.

As a result, she was informed that a kidney transplant was necessary. In 2017, she received a kidney donation from her close friend, a gesture that ultimately saved her life.

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She recalled: "Maybe I wasn’t necessarily really good at knowing what that meant so it actually got to a point where it was life-or-death," according to E! News. “Thankfully, one of my best friends gave me her kidney and it was the ultimate gift of life. And I am doing quite well now.”

So what is lupus and what are the symptoms? Here is what you need to know.

What is lupus?

According to Lupus UK: "Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system is dysfunctional and mistakenly identifies the body’s own tissues as foreign invaders.

"In people with lupus, the immune system creates autoantibodies to attack the body’s tissues. These form immune complexes which cause inflammation and damage – possibly affecting the organs and/or the joints in some lupus patients."

What are the symptoms of lupus?

The signs and symptoms of the condition vary from person to person. If you have it, you may experience:

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  • Rashes from sunlight/UV light (including the classical “butterfly” rash on the cheeks and nose)

  • Oral/nasal ulcers

  • Weight gain or loss

  • Increased risk of miscarriage

  • Hair loss

  • Kidney problems

  • Flu-like symptoms and/or night sweats

  • Inflammation of the tissues covering internal organs with associated chest and/or abdominal pain

  • Depression

  • Extreme fatigue and weakness

  • Haematological disorders including anaemia

  • Joint/muscle aches and pains

  • Swollen glands

  • Headaches, migraine

  • Seizures, mental illness or other cerebral problems

  • Poor blood circulation causing the tips of fingers and toes to turn white then blue on exposure to cold (Raynauds)

What causes lupus?

The causes of lupus are not fully understood. Possible causes include:

  • childbirth

  • sunlight

  • certain medicines

  • viral infection

  • menopause

  • puberty

The lupus charity warns that this condition "disproportionately affects females and people from Black African, Caribbean, and Asian ancestries."

How do you get a lupus diagnosis?

Since symptoms can vary and overlap, diagnosing lupus can be challenging. However, if you suspect you have it, it’s important to visit your GP and share your concerns. Typically, the GP will conduct blood tests, and a diagnosis of lupus may be made if the results show high levels of specific antibodies alongside some of the symptoms you’ve described.

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Beyond blood tests, you might also be referred for X-rays or scans of your heart, kidneys, and other organs if the doctor suspects they could be affected. If you’re diagnosed, regular check-ups and tests may be recommended to monitor your condition.

This could be blood tests to check for anaemia and urine tests to check for kidney problems. For more information and how to get help, visit Lupus UK.