LONDON (AP) — Vatican officials announced late Tuesday that Pope Francis has contracted pneumonia in both lungs, presenting a new challenge to his recovery. Hospitalized on Friday due to deteriorating bronchitis, the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition raised further alarm when doctors revealed a mix of infections in his respiratory system on Monday.
The Vatican provided an update on Wednesday, stating that Pope Francis had a peaceful night, woke up, and had breakfast in good spirits. As the pope undergoes treatment for pneumonia, here is an overview of the diagnosis and potential medical interventions being considered:
What Happened?
Following the worsening of his bronchitis, Pope Francis was admitted to Gemilli hospital in Rome in “fair” condition. Doctors later diagnosed him with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, indicating the presence of various viruses, bacteria, and potentially other pathogens in his respiratory system.
A chest scan on Tuesday revealed pneumonia affecting both lungs, necessitating additional medical intervention.
Bronchitis causes inflammation in the bronchial tubes of the lungs, resulting in coughing and mucus production. In some cases, this infection can progress to pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs often triggered by an infection.
How Serious Is This?
While pneumonia can pose a serious health risk for anyone, it is particularly concerning for an individual of Pope Francis’s age.
Dr. Meredith McCormack, a specialist from Johns Hopkins University, emphasized that older age is a significant risk factor for severe infections. Despite the pope’s prior lung surgery, McCormack highlighted the importance of monitoring any signs of weakness in his condition, noting that frailty could increase the likelihood of complications.
Although the pope has been wheelchair-bound for over two years, recent reports indicate that he remains mobile and his heart function is stable.
What Treatments Are Available?
In addition to antibiotic therapy, various treatments can support the pope’s recovery, such as supplemental oxygen and therapies to assist lung and overall body function during the healing process.
Dr. Andrew Chadwick, an expert from Oxford University Hospital, highlighted the use of steroids and antibiotics as key components in the pope’s treatment plan, along with nursing care and chest physiotherapy to aid in fluid clearance from the lungs.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping patients manage pneumonia symptoms, particularly if they have limited mobility.
McCormack suggested that severe cases of pneumonia typically require treatment over one to two weeks, with recovery potentially extending longer in older individuals.
What Will Doctors Monitor?
The primary focus for medical professionals will be on preventing any further deterioration in the pope’s condition.
While administering antibiotics and other treatments, doctors will closely monitor the pope’s response to the therapy. A gradual recovery without worsening symptoms would be a positive indicator of progress, according to McCormack.
Dr. Maor Sauler, a specialist in adult pulmonary and critical care at Yale University,
It was mentioned by the expert that antibiotics typically rely on the functioning of the lungs in order to combat infections, such as pneumonia. However, the capacity of the lungs to recover decreases as individuals age. “When a person is diagnosed with pneumonia, there is a high likelihood that we can effectively treat it,” he explained. “Nevertheless, pneumonia remains a leading cause of mortality. Despite our utmost efforts, there are instances where the infection cannot be completely eradicated.”
Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed to the creation of this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department is backed by the Science and Educational Media Group of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Associated Press holds full responsibility for all the content provided.
