(ZENIT News /Rome, 03.03.2025).- Pope Francis suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure, according to an update on his state of health communicated at the end of the afternoon of Monday, March 3, 2025.
“The Holy Father presented two episodes today of acute respiratory failure, caused by an important accumulation of endobronchial mucus and subsequent bronchospasm,” stated the official note.
The press release added that, «For this reason, two bronchoscopies were performed requiring aspiration of copious secretions.» It also stated that «In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed.»
Noted about the Pope is that he “remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times.” The prognosis continues to be reserved.
About the Medical Terms
Acute respiratory failure is a serious medical condition in which the lungs cannot bring sufficient oxygen to the body or eliminate adequately the carbon dioxide. This can occur due to different causes, such as respiratory infections, chronic lung diseases, lesions in the thorax, overdose of drugs or alcohol, and other conditions that affect breathing.
The symptoms can include difficulty in breathing, confusion, anxiety, tachypnea (rapid breathing), use of accessory respiratory muscles and, in serious cases, cyanosis (blueish coloration of the skin, lips and nails) and loss of consciousness. The Pope has suffered two episodes of this type.
The treatment of acute respiratory failure generally includes the administration of oxygen, ventilatory support and treatment of the underlying cause. In severe cases, the use of mechanical ventilation can be necessary.
Endobronchial mucus buildup refers to the buildup of mucus in the bronchi, which are the airways that carry air to the lungs. This buildup can make breathing difficult and cause symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. It can be caused by various conditions, such as respiratory infections, chronic pulmonary diseases (such as COPD or asthma), and other conditions that affect the respiratory tract.
Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the airways and lungs. It is done using a bronchoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end. This tube is inserted through the mouth or nose and advanced into the lungs, allowing the doctor to observe the inside of the airways in real time.
Bronchoscopy is used to diagnose and treat various lung conditions such as infections, cancer, lung disease, airway obstructions and other respiratory diseases. It can also be used to take tissue samples (biopsies), remove foreign bodies or mucus, and place medical devices, such as stents, in the airways.
The procedure is usually performed under sedation and can last around 30 minutes.
