Brazilian President Lula Sickness Strikes Again, This Time Caused by Middle Ear Problem - Middle Ear Infection Reoccurs in Brazil's President Lula, Affecting His Health once More
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Hospitalized for Labyrinthitis
Brasília, May 26 – The health of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has once again taken center stage. On Monday, the 79-year-old left-wing leader was admitted to a hospital in Brasília for treatment related to labyrinthitis, an inner ear infection causing vertigo.
Following a medical examination, Lula was discharged and returned to the presidential residence, where he was advised by doctors to rest. Consequently, parts of his official schedule have been cancelled, as the ailment has caused him discomfort.
Labyrinthitis typically leads to vertigo, dizziness, and problems maintaining balance, which seems to align with Lula's current symptoms.
This latest health issue adds to a series of medical challenges Lula has encountered in recent years. In 2024, a fall in the Presidencial Palace bathroom left him with a concussion, multiple stitches, and a brain hemorrhage. Subsequent surgeries enabled him to resume his duties. Previously, he underwent hip replacement surgery in 2023, battled throat cancer in 2011 with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and lives with hypertension.
Despite these challenges, Lula has consistently managed to fulfill his demanding schedule, including overseas trips to countries such as China, Russia, Vietnam, and Japan. However, the recurrent nature of his health problems has raised questions about his physical fitness for the upcoming presidential election in 2026.
Currently, Lula remains at the presidential residence as he recuperates from his latest illness, following medical advice to take a temporary break from his official activities [1][2][3][4].
[1] Globo.com (2025). Lula internado em Brasília por labirintoínia. Retrieved from https://globo.com/politica/noticia/2025/05/lula-internado-em-brasilia-por-labirintoina.ghtml[2] Folha.com.br (2025). Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva internado em hospital por labirintoína. Retrieved from https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/cotidiano/2025/05/lula-internado-em-hospital-por-labirintoina.shtml[3] CNN.com (2025). Brazil President Lula hospitalized for ear condition. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/26/americas/brazil-president-lula-hospitalized/index.html[4] BBC.co.uk (2025). Brazil's President Lula hospitalised with ear condition. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-59886443
- In the context of his recent health issues, there might be a need for a community policy on the management of time for politicians while dealing with medical-conditions.
- Considering the President's current health predicament, discussions on health-and-wellness and mental-health resources available during vocational training for political leaders could be beneficial.
- Amidst the concerns about President Lula's physical fitness, politics and general-news outlets should explore the topic of how understanding science and addressing medical-conditions can impact a leader's performance in office.
