Vatican Authorities Say Pope Francis Has Pneumonia in Both Lungs: How Worrying Is That?

 

Pope Francis, 88, has developed pneumonia in both lungs, further complicating his recovery from a recent illness. He was hospitalized on Friday after his bronchitis worsened, and on Monday, doctors confirmed he had a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, involving a mix of viruses, bacteria, and potentially other organisms. On Tuesday, a chest scan revealed the pneumonia diagnosis, leading to the need for additional medication.

Despite the concerning nature of the illness, the Vatican reported that the pope had a tranquil night and woke up in good spirits on Wednesday. He was able to have breakfast and remains in relatively good condition for now. Here’s a breakdown of the potential concerns and treatments involved:

How Serious Is Pneumonia for the Pope?

Pneumonia is always a serious condition, but for someone of Pope Francis’s age, the risks are amplified. Older adults (over 65) are more vulnerable to complications from infections like pneumonia. Dr. Meredith McCormack, director of pulmonary medicine at Johns Hopkins University, highlighted that frailty can increase the risk of complications. The pope’s reliance on a wheelchair for more than two years is a sign of frailty, but it’s a positive that he has been able to get out of bed and that his heart function is still good.

Though the pope lost part of his right lung decades ago, it is unlikely to significantly impact his recovery. However, the frailty that can come with age remains a concern.

Treatment Options for Pneumonia

Pneumonia treatment generally includes antibiotics, steroids, and other therapies like supplemental oxygen to support the body during recovery. Dr. Andrew Chadwick, a respiratory and intensive care specialist, noted that the pope would likely receive antibiotics and steroids, along with nursing care and chest physiotherapy to help clear fluid from his lungs. This kind of therapy is especially important for individuals who may be less mobile, like the pope.

Dr. McCormack explained that severe cases of pneumonia are usually treated for one to two weeks, but recovery may take longer in older individuals.

What Will Doctors Be Watching for in the Coming Days?

In the next few days, doctors will be closely monitoring the pope’s response to treatment. The main goal is to avoid further deterioration. If the pope's condition remains stable or improves gradually, it would be a good sign of recovery. However, Dr. Maor Sauler, an expert in pulmonary care, pointed out that while antibiotics are generally effective, pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death, especially in the elderly.

Though doctors are hopeful, they will continue to watch closely for any worsening of symptoms, as the ability of the lungs to recover diminishes with age. The key will be whether his lungs respond well to the treatment and if the infection clears effectively.

Conclusion

While the pope's pneumonia diagnosis is concerning, experts note that with appropriate treatment and close monitoring, he has a good chance of recovery. The next few days will be critical, and doctors will be looking for signs that his condition either stabilizes or gradually improves. Given his age and frailty, however, the situation remains delicate.