Abdel Rahman Abou Zahra’s Son Shares Update on His Health

Veteran Egyptian actor Abdel Rahman Abou Zahra's son, Ahmed Abou Zahra, is sharing an update with fans on his health after his health scare.

The acclaimed actor was transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) on the second day of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

In a phone-in with the "ON E" satellite TV Channel on Sunday, Ahmed, son of the acclaimed actor, stated that his father's condition remains unstable.

He explained that it all began on the final days of Ramadan, when his father suddenly partially fainted, a condition medically known as near-syncope or pre-syncope.

Syncope is the condition of feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or having vision changes as if about to pass out.

Rahman was rushed to the hospital for detailed medical tests. 

"Tests showed a sharp drop in sodium and mineral levels in his body, which are crucial, especially given his age. The doctors successfully addressed the deficiency and restored the levels to normal within days. We hoped he would fully regain consciousness, but unfortunately, that did not happen," he said.

Addressing circulating rumors on social media that claim his father has a lung tumor, Ahmed noted that tests and scans did indeed show a problem in his lung, explaining that a biopsy via endoscopy is required to determine the nature of the problem, whether it's a tumor or fluid buildup.

He added, "Given my father's advanced age, the doctors and I decided it would be difficult to perform such a strenuous medical procedure, especially since, even if the tumor is confirmed, it will be difficult to subject him to the usual treatment at this age,".

Ahmed pointed out that the doctors confirmed that the appearance in the scans is not the primary cause of his father's current breathing difficulties, emphasizing that his father is not on a ventilator but relies solely on supportive devices that provide him with oxygen.

He denied the rumors about the family struggling to afford treatment, noting that the Actors' Syndicate has covered the treatment expenses.

He also expressed his deep gratitude to the head of the Actors' Syndicate, Dr Ashraf Zaki, who responded immediately from the first day of the crisis despite being abroad at the time.

Ahmed also praised the quick response of the Minister of Health and Population, explaining that his father was transferred from the first hospital to another hospital to be provided with a private and single intensive care room. He said, "Given that my father is a famous public figure, we were keen to transfer him to a single care room to preserve his privacy, and to prevent any attempts to take pictures of him by those present in the hospital during his illness."

Abou Zahra, born in 1934, is one of the major stars of his generation. He starred in more than 398 distinguished films and TV productions. The actor is known for his roles in the TV series “Kalabsh 2” (2018), the TV series “Asham Iblis” (2017), the TV series “Abu Al-Banat” (2016), the TV series “Farah Laila” (2013), the TV series “Adam” (2011), the film “Ent Omry” (2005), and the TV series “Lann Aeish fi Gilbab Aby”(1996).