What Is Tommy Steele Suffering From? Health Concerns Explained

Tommy Steele, the beloved English entertainer, was diagnosed with porphyria, a condition also known as King’s disease. It’s a complex condition, and when he learned about it, he was understandably concerned, as was his mother.

Porphyria occurs when the body can’t properly break down certain chemicals. These chemicals build up, leading to a range of symptoms. The Mayo Clinic explains that porphyria results from a buildup of natural chemicals that produce porphyrin in the body.

Porphyria is a rare disorder, and while there’s no cure, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms. These treatments can help improve quality of life. It’s important to note that porphyria is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

King George III, the British monarch, is perhaps the most famous person to have suffered from porphyria. His periods of mental instability were attributed to the disease, and these episodes became known as “King’s madness.” However, it’s important to remember that porphyria can manifest in various ways, and not everyone with the condition experiences the same symptoms.

Porphyria can affect multiple systems in the body, including the nervous system, digestive system, and skin. Some common symptoms include:

Abdominal pain: This can be severe and may come and go.
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Muscle weakness
Sensitivity to sunlight
Mental health issues: These can range from mild mood swings to more serious mental health problems.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s essential to consult a doctor if you experience any of them. A doctor can perform tests to determine if porphyria is the underlying cause.