Yesterday in hospital, the Holy Father's condition worsened: his airways suddenly narrowed, causing him to breathe with difficulty during an alarming “bronchial spasm.”
The Vatican said Pope Francis was “well rested” after yesterday's breathing incident and was able to enjoy a cup of coffee this morning.
The Holy Father's condition worsened yesterday when his airways suddenly constricted, making it difficult to breathe. He was immediately given oxygen and a breathing mask after a “bronchial spasm,” marking a setback in his two-week battle with pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pope responded well to treatment and remained alert and alert throughout, the spokesman said. The Vatican said in a statement this morning: “The night was peaceful and the Pope is resting.” The sources added that he was able to drink his morning coffee.
Pope Francis suffers breathing problems in hospital as he 'inhales vomit'
His deterioration yesterday came after two consecutive days of increasingly reassuring reports from doctors treating him at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been since February 14. The incident, which occurred earlier in the day, resulted in a “sudden deterioration in respiratory function.”
Bronchial spasm occurs when the airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe. The Vatican added in a statement yesterday: “The Holy Father was immediately aspirated and placed on non-invasive mechanical ventilation with a good response to gas exchange. The Holy Father remained alert and oriented at all times, cooperating in the therapeutic maneuvers.”
Doctors have decided to maintain a cautious prognosis. They have asked for 24 to 48 hours to see if the episode could worsen his condition, Vatican sources said, adding that his lungs are functioning as well as ever. The Vatican has prepared alternative plans for Ash Wednesday next week, making it clear Francis still has a long way to go.
Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a Vatican official and former vicar of Rome, will lead the ceremony and processions on March 5. In their Thursday evening bulletin, doctors said Francis's clinical condition confirmed that he had improved. Francis has been in Gemelli Hospital since February 14 after he developed bronchitis.
He has shown steady, if modest, improvement since a respiratory crisis and kidney problems over the weekend raised fears for his life. The improvements have dispelled speculation of an imminent death, resignation or conclave and shown that he remains largely in control.
Sourse: www.mirror.co.uk
