Bradley Walsh explains ‘seriously bad’ health condition that makes him look ‘drunk’

Bradley Walsh reveals he suffers from blepharitis

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Bradley Walsh, 61, told This Morning in 2017 that he suffers from blepharitis, a common condition which can lead to swelling of the eyelids, giving the impression of a heavy night of drinking. One viewer of The Chase wrote on Twitter: “The Chase is great. I love the way you look drunk even when you’re sober.” Blepharitis is caused by inflammation of the eyelids, which occurs when the tiny oil producing glands next to the eyelids clog up, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

In some extreme cases, people with blepharitis can end up having their eyelids being stuck together.

Walsh said: “People don’t realise I have seriously bad blepharitis.

“I have to take one pill a day for it or I really struggle. I am going to need my eyes operated on at some point to sort it out.

“So many times, people have commented on how I look. But they don’t realise. If I take medication though, I’m fine.” 

There are various ways of treating blepharitis, including taking antibiotics, cleansing gel or more simple cleaning methods.

In some cases, GPs will refer sufferers for eyelid surgery that is used to remove excess skin or fat from the eyelids. 

The National Eye institute suggests the following daily cleaning routine to keep on top of the condition:

• Wash your hands with soap and water.

• Mix warm water with a gentle cleanser, like baby shampoo.

• Dip a clean, soft cloth or cotton swab in the warm cleanser and water mixture.

• Press the cloth against your closed eye for a few minutes to loosen crusts. This can also help keep your oil glands from clogging.

• Gently rub the cloth or cotton swab back and forth, focusing on the area where your eyelashes meet your eyelids.

• Rinse your eyes with clean water.

• Repeat these steps on your other eye using a new cloth or cotton swab.

The main symptoms of blepharitis, beyond making eyes physically red include:

• Feeling like there’s something in your eye

• Burning or stinging eyes

• Watery eyes

• Itchy eyes

• Sensitivity to light

• Red and swollen eyes or eyelids

• Tears that are foamy or have small bubbles in them

• Dry eyes

• Crusty eyelids or eyelashes when you wake up.

Blepharitis is not the only health problem Walsh has had to deal with. 

The presenter told The Sun that after his 60th birthday he had a life-threatening health scare, which he described as a “time-bomb”.

After an ultrasound carotid test, which checks blood flow in the arteries, Walsh was diagnosed with a hereditary disease called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). 

The condition leads to a buildup of cholesterol in the blood, which can threaten the onset of heart disease.

Walsh’ father died at the age of 59 from heart disease.

The NHS estimates roughly one in 250 people have FH and that less than eight percent of people with it know they have it. 

Although the disease is caused by genetics, FH can be identified by the buildup of fatty pockets around the ankles and other areas. 

However, even without FH people can have a dangerous build up of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in their blood. 

High cholesterol does not have any symptoms, meaning blood tests are the only way to identify high cholesterol.

The NHS recommends several lifestyle improvements to reduce your cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

Exercise, less alcohol consumption, and consuming less fatty foods can all help to guard against high cholesterol.

Source: Read Full Article