Shirley Ballas Unveils Harrowing Truth of Mother’s Lung Condition
Shirley Ballas, the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing, recently shared her mother’s struggle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), calling it “really quite scary.” This revelation came during her discussion with BBC Breakfast, where she highlighted the severe effects of the lung condition. Since her mother Audrey’s diagnosis in 2022, Ballas has made it her mission to raise awareness about COPD.
Understanding COPD and Its Impact
COPD is a group of lung diseases that significantly obstruct airflow and make breathing challenging. According to Asthma + Lung UK, nearly two million people live with this condition in the UK. Symptoms often include:
- Breathlessness
- Wheezing
- Chronic cough
- Frequent winter infections
Dr. Raj Chaggar, a GP at Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital, explains that COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis leads to persistent coughing, while emphysema causes damage to the lungs, impairing overall function.
Ballas’s Personal Experience
Shirley Ballas, 65, recounted the distressing moments of witnessing her mother choke due to COPD. Despite having smoked since her childhood, her mother had silently suffered for years before being diagnosed. Following a bout with flu, doctors warned of the increased risk of pneumonia, amplifying the urgency of managing her condition.
Discussing her mother’s daily challenges, Ballas emphasized the emotional toll of witnessing her mother struggle. She stated, “It’s quite sad, it’s debilitating, and it’s never going to get any better.” This experience has driven her collaboration with Sanofi’s Breathe Equal campaign, aimed at enhancing public understanding of respiratory issues.
Advocating for Better Healthcare Access
Ballas is calling for improved healthcare access, especially in deprived areas. “If you’re feeling unwell or coughing, go see a doctor and get diagnosed,” she urges. This advocacy reflects her commitment to spreading awareness about COPD and the importance of early intervention.
Managing COPD
Currently, there is no cure for COPD. Treatment primarily focuses on easing symptoms and preventing complications. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can help individuals with COPD improve their ability to perform daily tasks, underscoring the importance of proactive health management.
Shirley Ballas’s efforts in sharing her mother’s story aim to promote awareness and encourage better understanding of COPD, a condition affecting so many lives across the UK.
