Fox News star Sean Hannity is setting the record straight after viewers spent days speculating about his health.
The 64-year-old conservative commentator addressed the growing online chatter Wednesday, revealing that the noticeably puffy face and raspy voice that fueled thousands of comments were caused by medication prescribed after he suffered a painful pinched nerve while training.
“Thanks to everyone who has checked in,” Hannity wrote on X. “I’ve already addressed this several times on my radio show, but while training, I developed a painful pinched nerve in my neck.”
According to Hannity, his doctor prescribed prednisone to reduce inflammation.
“My doctor put me on prednisone to reduce the inflammation, and while it’s helping, it led to laryngitis and some puffiness, which is normal for this medication.”
The longtime Fox News host assured viewers he is “fine, recovering well, and still training,” while poking fun at the online frenzy.
“Apparently a few weeks of prednisone has generated more social media commentary than 30 years of ratings success,” he joked.
He also thanked supporters—including some unlikely ones.
“I appreciate all the concern and well wishes—including from members of the left-wing media. Sorry to disappoint them, but a pinched nerve, a raspy voice, and a puffy face aren’t taking me out anytime soon.”
Social media couldn’t stop talking about Hannity’s appearance
The speculation exploded after Hannity appeared on Fox News this week with a visibly fuller face and noticeably hoarse voice.
While many viewers expressed genuine concern, others questioned whether he was ill or recovering from a medical procedure.
“What the hell happened to Hannity? He doesn’t look well and he doesn’t sound well,” one user wrote on X before Hannity explained the situation. Another commented, “Is he having health problems?” while others guessed everything from dental work to cosmetic procedures.
The conversation even made its way onto The Daily Show.
Comedian Josh Johnson joked during Tuesday night’s broadcast, “I’m sorry but what is going on with Sean Hannity’s face?” before delivering a series of one-liners about the Fox News host’s noticeably swollen cheeks.
Why prednisone can cause facial swelling
Prednisone is a corticosteroid commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation caused by conditions ranging from pinched nerves and allergic reactions to asthma and autoimmune disorders.
While highly effective, the medication is also known for several temporary side effects—especially when taken at higher doses or over multiple weeks.
One of the most recognizable is facial swelling, sometimes called “moon face,” which occurs because steroids can cause the body to retain fluid and redistribute fat. Patients may also experience hoarseness or laryngitis, increased appetite, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and elevated blood sugar while taking the medication.
In many cases, these side effects gradually improve once the dosage is reduced or the medication is discontinued under a doctor’s supervision.
Hannity remains busy despite the speculation
The health update comes as Hannity continues one of the busiest stretches of his career.
In addition to hosting his longtime Fox News primetime program and nationally syndicated radio show, the veteran broadcaster recently launched a podcast featuring interviews with prominent conservatives and members of President Donald Trump’s administration.
For now, Hannity says viewers shouldn’t expect him to disappear from television anytime soon.
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