Rajnikanth back in Chennai hospital

Superstar Rajnikath is back in hospital for pneumonia, renal and gastro-intestinal problems. As of now, his health condition is stable and improving well.

Doctors at Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Porur in Chennai, where the 61-year-old film icon was admitted on Saturday, said he was being treated for recurrent respiratory infection and a stomach ailment. His stressful schedules coupled with lifestyle habits, including smoking, could have worsened his health condition. A series of investigations including a CT scan was done by a team of doctors, who concluded that he suffered from pneumonia.

They found he had fluid accumulation between the layers of the tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity. Blood test reports also showed elevated levels of creatinine in blood showing signs of kidney disorders and other gastrointestinal problems. He is being intermittently given oxygen support and is pumped in with antibiotics to clear infection of the lower respiratory tract.

Meanwhile, his wife, Latha, said that his health condition is improving well and he will be discharged soon. 'We also planning to go to America for further treatment,' she added. On April 29, the actor was first taken to the St Isabel's Hospital when he complained of fatigue and vomiting on the first day of shooting for his upcoming film 'Rana'. Doctors said he was dehydrated and exhausted. He was discharged the same day. On May 4, he was moved into the ICU of the same hospital with breathing difficulty and discomfort. A week later, he was discharged and advised rest.