Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized on February 14 after suffering from bronchitis and pneumonia, which further complicated his existing lung condition. The pontiff has been dealing with a complex health issue due to being overweight and sedentary.
Following weeks of symptoms, doctors diagnosed him with polymicrobial infection in the respiratory passages on February 17. Later, an X-ray revealed that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs, prompting cortisone and antibiotic treatments.
In critical condition, Francis required high-pressure oxygen through nasal tubes and received two blood transfusions after tests showed signs of anemia and low platelet count. However, his condition soon stabilized, with mild renal failure regressing on February 26.
The pope’s health improved further when he was placed on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask to pump supplemental oxygen into his lungs. Despite a few setbacks, including isolated coughing spasm and acute bronchospasm episodes, Francis remained alert and collaborative during medical procedures.
On March 6, the pope recorded an audio message, thanking the faithful for their prayers, with a weak but audible voice. Doctors declared him no longer in imminent danger of death on March 10, leading to further treatment without immediate hospitalization.
The Vatican announced on March 14 that it would cease issuing morning updates about Francis’ rest overnight and issue fewer medical bulletins as his condition continued to improve. The pope has now spent a month in the hospital, marking a significant turning point in his recovery.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-hospitalization-francis-gemelli-lung-pneumonia-2a860f4180e9ed4576e3ee88ba1bc665