Pope Francis experienced a sudden episode of respiratory difficulty. As a result, he was placed on a breathing machine. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for bronchitis and is now receiving care for double pneumonia, meaning pneumonia in both lungs.
Details of the Respiratory Episode
Pope Francis suffered a bronchial spasm Friday that resulted in him breathing in vomit, requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The pope underwent broncho aspiration and was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response in terms of gas exchange.
Background on Pope Francis’ Health
The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days, where he was first treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. The pontiff is particularly susceptible to pneumonia, an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, after he contracted pleurisy as a young man and underwent a partial lung remova