Pope Francis experienced “two episodes of acute respiratory failure” on Monday, the Vatican reported, marking the latest in a series of medical crises for the 88-year-old pontiff since his hospitalization in February. The respiratory episodes were triggered by a “significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus,” which caused narrowing of the airways. The pope underwent two bronchoscopies to remove the buildup of mucus, and he was later given oxygen through a mask to assist with breathing. Despite these health challenges, the Vatican confirmed that the pope remained alert and cooperative throughout the treatment.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Doctors explained that the accumulation of mucus was linked to the pneumonia the pope has been battling and causes irritation in the bronchi, leading to coughing and spasms. Dr. Theodore Iwashyna, a pulmonary medicine expert, noted that requiring two bronchoscopies in a short period of time for secretions management is concerning. He explained that mucus buildup is typically a negative sign in pneumonia patients, as they should produce less mucus as the infection improves.
Although the Vatican stated that the pope’s blood tests remained unchanged, his prognosis remains “reserved.” Dr. Jeremy Faust, an emergency physician, explained that the non-invasive ventilation the pope received through a mask is often used before more invasive measures, like intubation, are needed. Such ventilation may also be used if the patient is unwilling to undergo intubation or is not yet at a stage where it’s necessary.
The pope, who has had chronic lung issues, including the removal of part of his lung after a severe pneumonia in his youth, has now been hospitalized for over a month. His current hospitalization is his fourth and longest stay since becoming pope in 2013. Despite his health struggles, he has been described as handling the situation with “great courage and serenity,” according to his cousin, Carla Rabezzana.
As the Vatican continues to monitor the pontiff’s recovery, the next few days are considered crucial in determining his health trajectory. Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a pulmonary physician, stated that the next 10 to 11 days will be critical. He noted that recovery for someone in the pope’s condition could take up to a month in the hospital, followed by an extended convalescence period. Cardinal Robert Prevost led a rosary for the pope at St. Peter’s Square Monday evening, where Bishops and hundreds of people have gathered to pray for his recovery.
The pope’s health has caused significant concern, with his schedule cleared for intensive medical treatment. He did not lead the Angelus prayer on Sunday, marking the third consecutive week he has missed the event, and he will not lead the Ash Wednesday service, a significant Christian tradition, for only the second time in his papacy.
