Kenan Thompson Opens Up About GERD Diagnosis: A Call for Health Awareness

In a heartfelt interview with PEOPLE, Kenan Thompson, the 46-year-old actor and long-time star of Saturday Night Live, discussed his battle with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that first started troubling him more than two years ago. Thompson’s symptoms, which included severe heartburn triggered by acidic foods, interfered with his on-stage performance and everyday life, leading him to a pivotal moment when he finally sought medical advice.

The Hidden Struggle of Heartburn

For Thompson, the past two years have involved a lot of silent suffering. Although he frequently experienced complications from heartburn—including increased hoarseness and sleepless nights wrought with discomfort—he hesitated to consult a doctor. His symptoms escalated to the point where they significantly affected his ability to perform on live television, particularly during the high-pressure environment of SNL.

• Thompson experienced frequent heartburn, especially after consuming certain foods.
• He reported feeling increasingly hoarse during performances.
• His nights were often disturbed by acid reflux leading to discomfort.

In Thompson’s own words, “I noticed that I would get hoarse a lot easier when I’m doing the show. Losing my voice quicker, but also uncomfortable sleepless nights because I’m burping up acid, just kind of hiccuping all night. It just started to pile up,” he explained, showing how these symptoms were not just physical but emotionally taxing as well.

Turning Point: Seeking a Diagnosis

Thompson’s symptoms reached a crisis point in early 2024, compelling him to seek professional help. After his consultation, he was diagnosed with GERD—a condition marked by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to various discomforts. According to the Mayo Clinic, GERD affects over 65 million people in the United States yet remains undiagnosed in many cases.

Reflecting on his diagnosis, Thompson remarked, “I didn’t know there was a real medical term for it.” Many people might echo this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of awareness regarding GERD and its symptoms.

Finding Relief

After his diagnosis, Thompson’s doctor recommended Voquezna, the first FDA-approved treatment specifically for managing GERD. His response to the medication was immediate. “I felt relief pretty immediately,” he shared, illustrating the importance of seeking timely medical intervention.

• GERD is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.
• Voquezna provides a new treatment option for chronic GERD sufferers.
• Many individuals with GERD navigate their symptoms without professional guidance.

Raising Awareness: The GERD IS NO JOKE Campaign

Now committed to educating others about GERD, Thompson has partnered with Phathom Pharmaceuticals for the GERD IS NO JOKE campaign. Through this initiative, he aims to destigmatize conversations around digestive health and encourage open discussions with healthcare providers.

Utilizing his natural flair for comedy, Thompson is portraying a chef in a comedic segment titled “Kick Some Acid Cooking Show” as part of the campaign. His humorous approach aims to make the serious topic of health more approachable and relatable.

“It’s nice to throw some humor into it because I like to have fun, and a little bit of sugar helps the medicine go down,” he remarked. By incorporating humor, Thompson hopes to ease the discomfort often associated with discussing health issues.

The Importance of Communication in Health

Thompson’s candidness serves as an important reminder of the health challenges many people face but do not discuss. His experience highlights the necessity of feeling comfortable speaking to medical professionals about seemingly trivial symptoms, which can actually lead to severe health conditions like GERD if left untreated.

• Seeking medical advice can lead to effective treatment options.
• Open conversations about health are vital for early diagnosis.
• Humor can play a pivotal role in addressing serious subjects.

The Road Ahead

Reflecting on his current health status, Thompson declares, “God bless, I feel great. I’m in a much healthier kind of space with my daily lifestyle and meal decision-making.” His positive outlook showcases the potential for improved health following an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

As Thompson continues to advocate for GERD awareness through humor and personal testimony, his story stands as a testament to the necessity of prioritizing one’s health and the importance of seeking help.

In conclusion, the journey of Kenan Thompson serves as a crucial reminder for everyone: if you experience troubling health symptoms, seek help sooner rather than later. Embracing open communication about our health can lead to effective treatments and improved well-being.

Keywords: Kenan Thompson, GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease, health awareness, Voquezna, digestive health, SNL, health communication, celebrity health, comedy and health.

Hashtags: #KenanThompson #GERD #HealthAwareness #Voquezna #Comedy #DigestiveHealth #SNL #CelebrityHealth #MedicalCare #HealthCommunication

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