Kris Aquino’s Health Worsens: Two New Illnesses Confirmed as Battle Intensifies

Manila, July 2025 — For millions of Filipinos who grew up watching her on television, Kris Aquino has always symbolized strength, resilience, and brilliance. But in recent years, the “Queen of All Media” has been fighting a battle far removed from the spotlight: a fight for her life against multiple, complex autoimmune diseases.

In July 2025, Kris Aquino publicly confirmed what her supporters had long feared—her condition has worsened. Doctors have diagnosed two new illnesses, bringing her total number of confirmed ailments to nine. The news has reignited national concern and prompted a deeper public discussion about autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and the invisible suffering of high-profile individuals.

This article explores her ongoing medical journey, the new complications she’s facing, the toll on her personal life and career, and what her experience teaches us about living with chronic disease in the public eye.

A Long Battle with Autoimmune Disease

Kris Aquino’s health troubles began several years ago but were first publicly confirmed in 2018, when she was diagnosed with chronic spontaneous urticaria, an unpredictable and debilitating skin condition characterized by severe allergic reactions. Over time, other diagnoses followed—each one adding complexity to her condition and intensifying her treatment protocols.

By early 2025, Kris had confirmed seven illnesses, including:

Chronic spontaneous urticaria
Autoimmune thyroiditis
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Systemic sclerosis
Lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Mixed connective tissue disease

Now, she faces two more.

The New Diagnoses: A Heavier Burden

Kris revealed that she has recently been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a disorder that causes widespread muscle pain and fatigue, and a ninth condition—an autoimmune-related disease she has chosen not to specify at this time.

The addition of these two illnesses has forced her to modify her treatment regimen once again. Fibromyalgia, in particular, adds a layer of persistent, systemic pain to her already fragile body. In some cases, this condition interacts with lupus and arthritis in unpredictable and painful ways. The ninth illness—still undisclosed—has prompted further immunological testing and added restrictions on her medications and mobility.

The Physical Reality: Daily Pain, Medication, and Side Effects

Kris has never sugar-coated her health journey. In her most recent updates, she describes living with:

Severe pain in her joints, bones, and muscles, especially in her knees, feet, and shoulders
Frequent fatigue, making even small physical movements exhausting
Allergic reactions to several medications, including some life-saving drugs
Rapid weight loss, reportedly dropping to below 90 pounds
Episodes of heart inflammation, requiring close cardiac monitoring

She remains under immunosuppressive therapy, a treatment that deliberately lowers her immune system to prevent it from attacking her own body. The side effects of this include high risk of infections, gastrointestinal discomfort, and damage to internal organs over time.

A Personal Struggle: Family, Isolation, and Strength

Despite her struggles, Kris Aquino has remained emotionally anchored by her two sons—Bimby and Josh—and the care of a small, trusted circle of doctors, nurses, and family friends.

She has often said that her children are her greatest reason to keep fighting. While her health prevents her from resuming a normal public life, she continues to share personal messages—short updates filled with vulnerability, humor, and gratitude to her supporters.

However, her journey is not without loneliness. Living in near-isolation to avoid infections and reduce stress, Kris has acknowledged moments of deep doubt and emotional pain. In her words, “There are days I don’t know if I can keep going. But I remind myself that I have survived every single day until now.”

The Public’s Reaction: Compassion, Support, and Prayers

Social media has become a safe space for Kris’s followers to send encouragement and prayers. Her name often trends whenever a new update surfaces, and countless Filipinos across generations express admiration for her honesty and courage.

What sets Kris apart is her ability to be real—even in her most painful moments. She openly shares when she’s in pain, when she’s scared, and when she just needs prayers. That vulnerability has created a community of support unlike any other in local showbiz history.

Work on Hold: A Career Paused but Not Forgotten

Prior to her diagnosis, Kris Aquino’s career was nothing short of legendary. She dominated television, advertising, and film for decades. From game shows to talk shows, political interviews to romantic films, she was a fixture in Philippine media.

Today, she is not medically cleared to return to work. Her doctors continue to discourage her from exerting herself physically or emotionally. Even though Kris longs to go back to her passions—talking to people, connecting with audiences, making them laugh—she understands the price of pushing herself too far.

For now, she remains focused on healing, even if that means letting go of her career indefinitely.

A Voice for Invisible Illnesses

Kris Aquino has become an accidental advocate for people with chronic and invisible illnesses. Her high-profile journey has helped raise awareness about:

The complexity of autoimmune diseases
The difficulty of diagnosis and treatment
The emotional toll of being misunderstood
The importance of building strong medical and emotional support systems

Her story has sparked conversations about health equity, long-term care in the Philippines, and the stigma faced by people who are “sick but don’t look sick.”

Looking Ahead: Hope, Healing, and Uncertainty

Kris continues to receive treatment both locally and abroad. She remains hopeful that with the right medications, rest, and medical advancements, she may eventually experience periods of remission—or at least relief.

However, the road ahead is uncertain. Autoimmune diseases can become unpredictable and even life-threatening when compounded. And yet, in the face of all this, Kris holds on to faith, family, and the belief that her pain still has purpose.

She has said: “If sharing my journey helps one more person feel understood or less alone, then maybe everything I’m going through has meaning.”

Key Points Summary

Topic
Details

Total Diagnosed Conditions
9 (including fibromyalgia and one undisclosed autoimmune disease)

Treatment
Immunosuppressants, pain management, cardiac monitoring

Physical Impact
Severe joint pain, fatigue, allergic reactions, weight loss, heart inflammation

Mental and Emotional Impact
Episodes of doubt, emotional exhaustion, but ongoing resilience

Career Status
On indefinite pause due to medical advice

Public Engagement
Rare appearances, heartfelt messages, regular expressions of gratitude

Final Thoughts

Kris Aquino’s life has never been easy—but it has always been inspiring. She remains a symbol of strength, not because she hides her pain, but because she shares it so honestly. Her health update, though deeply concerning, reminds us of the power of perseverance and the quiet strength required to endure what cannot be seen.

As her supporters continue to rally behind her, one truth remains: Kris Aquino may be physically fragile, but her spirit continues to be unbreakable.

Related Articles

Understanding Autoimmune Illness: The Silent Epidemic Behind Kris Aquino’s Condition
Invisible Illness and Public Life: How Celebrities Cope with Chronic Pain
A Timeline of Kris Aquino’s Health Journey: From Diagnosis to Today
The Emotional Cost of Chronic Disease: What Kris Aquino’s Story Reveals
Fibromyalgia and Lupus: The Burden of Multiple Autoimmune Disorders