Does Amy Winehouse have tuberculosis?

It is feared that Amy Winehouse may have the deadly disease, tuberculosis, more commonly known as TB. The singer's symptoms include coughing blood, lack of appetite and subsequent weight loss - all common indicators of the illness. Those with weak immune systems, such as alcoholics and drug addicts are more susceptible to the it. It requires at least half a year of medication and can easily kill if left untreated.

Winehouse has been in hospital, attached to a drip since her blackout at her home on Monday. Her coughing fits and irregualr heartbeat have been worrying doctors, according to a friend who gave British tabloid The Sun an interview. The source also said "doctors now believe it is tuberculosis and are doing more tests to be certain".

Despite this devastating news, friends and family of the 24-year-old are hopeful that the diagnosis will shock the star into realising that her drug-fuelled lifestyle will kill her if she does not do something about it. “Things sound really bad but at least now they have found something specific it will be easier to keep her in hospital and free from drugs", the source added.

However, Winehouse still has two commitments this month - one being Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday party and another is Glastonbury Festival. At this moment, she is stilll intending to honour those. But it is looking less and less likely that the doctors will allow her to perform again so soon. In any case, everyone is waiting for the doctors' verdict.

Via welt.de