The Pope’s pneumonia found in both lungs, Vatican says

The Vatican announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both of his lungs, adding a new complication to the 88-year-old Pope’s respiratory infection. The Vatican revealed that the Pope’s condition also involves asthmatic bronchitis, which required the use of cortisone antibiotic treatment. Despite the challenging situation, the Pope remains in good spirits and is thankful for the prayers for his recovery, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

The Pope’s medical team stated that he is suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, which means there is a mix of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites growing in his lungs. Dr. Maor Sauler, a specialist in adult pulmonary and critical care medicine at Yale University’s School of Medicine, explained that such infections are common in older individuals with weaker immune systems or complex health issues. The Pope’s doctors may need to adjust his treatment to ensure that the antibiotics target all the different organisms causing the infection.

Given the Pope’s medical history, including the loss of part of his right lung and previous pneumonia episodes, his hospitalization is a cause for concern. Dr. Nick Hopkinson, medical director of Asthma + Lung UK, mentioned that most healthy individuals would recover quickly from bronchitis. However, in individuals with compromised lungs, infections can be more challenging to treat. The Pope may require oxygen support or chest physiotherapy to help clear fluids from his lungs.

The duration of the Pope’s treatment will depend on various factors, with antibiotic treatments typically ranging from a few days to two weeks. The medical team may prescribe medications commonly used for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in addition to physiotherapy to aid in clearing his chest. Dr. Peter Openshaw, a lung expert at Imperial College London, noted that managing multiple organisms in complex medical cases can be difficult.

Dr. Sauler emphasized the importance of monitoring the Pope’s condition for any signs of deterioration in the coming days. He stressed the significance of the Pope’s immune system in fighting off pneumonia, especially considering his advanced age. The medical team will continue to assess the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment and adjust as necessary to ensure the Pope’s recovery.

In conclusion, the Pope’s medical team remains optimistic about his prognosis and is closely monitoring his progress. The Pope’s resilience and the medical interventions will play a crucial role in his recovery from this challenging respiratory infection.