In London, Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the 1.4-billion-strong Roman Catholic Church, is currently admitted in the hospital for the treatment of double pneumonia resulting from a respiratory infection.
WHAT IS DOUBLE PNEUMONIA?
Pneumonia is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lungs, usually triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. The pope has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, commonly referred to as double pneumonia, indicating that both of his lungs are affected. In pneumonia, the alveoli in the lungs become filled with pus and fluid, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced oxygen intake. Symptoms may include coughing, production of mucus, shortness of breath, fever, body aches, fatigue, and confusion.
HOW SERIOUS IS IT?
While many individuals recover from pneumonia within a few weeks, certain factors can heighten the severity of the illness. It poses increased risks for infants, individuals over 65, and those with cardiovascular or pre-existing lung conditions. The pope, in particular, is susceptible to lung infections due to a history of pleurisy and partial lung removal during his youth. His current pneumonia developed subsequent to a recent hospitalization for a respiratory infection, compounded by existing airway issues, bronchiectasis, and asthmatic bronchitis, as per a statement from the Vatican.
Bilateral pneumonia is considered more critical as it affects both lungs, thereby reducing the patient’s remaining healthy lung capacity for respiration, medical experts explained.
HOW COMMON IS PNEUMONIA?
Pneumonia is a prevalent health concern. Alongside other lower respiratory infections, it stands as one of the primary causes of death globally, according to the World Health Organization. For instance, in the United States, roughly one million elderly individuals are hospitalized annually due to pneumonia, with approximately 50,000 succumbing to the illness, per the American Thoracic Society. Globally, pneumonia claims the lives of 700,000 children under the age of 5 each year, estimates the WHO.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Treatment for pneumonia typically involves antibiotics to combat bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viral cases. Hospitalized patients often receive fluids and oxygen support. The Vatican disclosed that the pope’s initial respiratory infection was “polymicrobial,” indicating a combination of pathogens, making treatment more complex. He is currently undergoing antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy, with additional pharmacological intervention for the pneumonia, as reported by the Vatican.
(Reporting by Jennifer Rigby; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Janet Lawrence)
