Television personality and former Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona has been rushed to hospital after receiving a diagnosis of colitis, sharing a candid video update with fans from her hospital bed in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Hospital Corridor Bed Amid Overcrowding
The 45-year-old celebrity filmed herself perched on a hospital bed positioned in a corridor, explaining that the health facility was operating at full capacity. In the Instagram video posted at approximately 2:10 AM on January 30, Katona revealed she had been in hospital since the previous morning, panning the camera to show a cannula in her arm and her temporary location near the nurses' station.
Understanding Colitis Symptoms and Treatment
Katona disclosed her diagnosis as colitis, describing it as "something to do with my bowel" and humorously noting "it's been s*** - excuse the pun." According to NHS guidelines, ulcerative colitis represents a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the colon and rectum, where the large intestine and rectal area become inflamed.
The health service explains that this condition can lead to the development of small ulcers on the colon's lining, which may bleed and produce pus. Common symptoms experienced by patients include:
- Recurring diarrhoea, potentially containing blood, mucus, or pus
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Frequent need to use the toilet
- Extreme fatigue and tiredness
- Loss of appetite and subsequent weight reduction
Symptom Severity and Management
Medical professionals note that symptom severity varies considerably depending on the extent of inflammation within the rectum and colon, as well as the intensity of the inflammatory response. Katona acknowledged her challenging situation while maintaining a positive outlook, stating "I'm in the right place" despite having experienced sleep deprivation since her admission.
The former pop star's health update comes as she continues to navigate her diagnosis and treatment within the healthcare system, highlighting both personal health challenges and broader issues of hospital capacity that many patients currently face across the country.
