Nick Cannon's recent health woes were caused by an autoimmune disease.

The TV presenter received medical treatment for his kidney infection over Christmas. A few weeks later Nick was back in hospital with blood clots in his lungs. Nick has now explained what triggered his health woes.

"[The kidney infection was a result of] autoimmune disease that [doctors] found in my system," he told People. "It's a lot of stuff, but it's all in order now.

"They kind of say [my] autoimmune [disease] is like a lupus type of thing, but no one else in my family has it.

"The blood clot thing was probably the scariest because... I've known people who have passed away from that."

The 31-year-old star is relieved that medical experts have shed some light on his condition.

Nick has recently reduced his hectic work schedule by quitting his US radio show. He has also vowed to spend more time with wife Mariah Carey and their fraternal twins Moroccan and Monroe who turn one next month.

"I feel blessed to be alive. If it wasn't discovered, I don't know [what would have happened]," he added. "[My kidney condition is] something I'm going to be living with all my life."