emirates7 - Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia for the past two weeks, experienced a "isolated" breathing crisis while in hospital, according to the Vatican. The crisis occurred on Friday after a bout of coughing led to a bronchospasm, resulting in vomiting and a sudden deterioration in his respiratory condition.
The 88-year-old Pope had his lungs cleared of the vomit through aspiration and is now receiving supplemental oxygen via a face mask to assist with his breathing. Vatican sources report that his doctors need 24 to 48 hours to assess whether there has been any damage or setback to his condition. Currently, no prognosis has been provided.
Despite the setback, the Pope remains alert and "in good spirits," according to the Vatican. In a statement, the Vatican described the episode: "In the early afternoon today, after spending the morning alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, the Holy Father experienced an isolated bronchospasm crisis, which led to vomiting and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition."
The Pope was promptly treated with bronchoaspiration and started non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which resulted in a positive response to gas exchange. Sources say the crisis occurred around 2:00 PM local time, though the duration was not specified.
This incident follows a period where Vatican statements had been more optimistic, mentioning a "slight improvement" in the Pope's condition. Earlier today, he received Communion, and the Vatican had updated that he was showing signs of recovery, though he would remain in Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to the complexity of his clinical condition. The Pope was admitted to the hospital on 14 February after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties.
The 88-year-old Pope had his lungs cleared of the vomit through aspiration and is now receiving supplemental oxygen via a face mask to assist with his breathing. Vatican sources report that his doctors need 24 to 48 hours to assess whether there has been any damage or setback to his condition. Currently, no prognosis has been provided.
Despite the setback, the Pope remains alert and "in good spirits," according to the Vatican. In a statement, the Vatican described the episode: "In the early afternoon today, after spending the morning alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, the Holy Father experienced an isolated bronchospasm crisis, which led to vomiting and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition."
The Pope was promptly treated with bronchoaspiration and started non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which resulted in a positive response to gas exchange. Sources say the crisis occurred around 2:00 PM local time, though the duration was not specified.
This incident follows a period where Vatican statements had been more optimistic, mentioning a "slight improvement" in the Pope's condition. Earlier today, he received Communion, and the Vatican had updated that he was showing signs of recovery, though he would remain in Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to the complexity of his clinical condition. The Pope was admitted to the hospital on 14 February after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties.