What’s the truth on Juan Gabriel’s recent health scare?

Could intestinal cancer be to blame for Juan Gabriel’s health situation? (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

“El Divo de Juarez” felt extremely nervous and had respiratory problems when he returned to the hospital, after being followed on the road by photographers and videographers.

The re-hospitalization sparked a number of rumors, including a report from TV Notas that had a source cited as “close to the singer” suggest Gabriel was, in fact, suffering from intestinal cancer originally diagnosed several years ago.

The latest reports, however, including an interview with People en Espanol, have Juan Gabriel’s representatives denying the rumors, stating that they were blatantly “wrong,” and that it was only due to doctor orders that Gabriel remain on absolute rest that no interviews had yet been done with the media.

Gabriel’s Facebook page indicates the singer is recovering little by little everyday, and more plans will eventually be announced regarding his health and future plans.

Fans are anxiously awaiting to hear what lies in store for Gabriel, as it is well-known the performer does not often seek the assistance of Western medicine.

That he went to the hospital was enough to concern his followers, who are unlikely to believe reports on his health until Gabriel himself makes a formal announcement.

Could intestinal cancer be to blame?

Until official statements emerge that explain the details of Juan Gabriel’s condition, any media reports are just speculation.

At this point in time the only known details are that, on the day of his first hospital admittance, a friend of the singer said Gabriel experienced a fever and congestion.

After going on with his performance later in the day he still felt unwell and was urged to visit the hospital.

There is no indication that Juan Gabriel experienced any of the symptoms associated with intestinal cancer which, according to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, include:

• Abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue (sometimes a result of anemia)
• Bloody or tarry stools (from bleeding tumors)
• A noticeable lump in the abdomen.

While it is possible that Gabriel could have developed pneumonia as a complication of a suppressed immune system secondary to cancer, the fact that he is recovering quickly and experienced a short stay in the hospital is more indicative of true pneumonia.

The American Lung Association indicates it is very common for older adults to require hospitalization for pneumonia and experience symptoms of:

• Cough (with some pneumonias you may cough up greenish or yellow mucus, or even bloody mucus)
• Fever, which may be mild or high
• Shaking chills
• Shortness of breath, which may only occur when you climb stair
• Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
• Headache
• Excessive sweating and clammy skin
• Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
• Confusion, especially in older people.

It is also not uncommon for older individuals to have a relapse after initial treatment.

Recovery from pneumonia can take weeks or even months, and stress (like that of being followed by the media) can worsen symptoms and slow recovery.

SEE ALSO: Will Juan Gabriel’s health jeopardize his tour?