POPE Francis has died at the age of 88 after a “complex” battle with double pneumonia.
The leader of the Roman Catholic church had been hospitalised at the Gemelli hospital in after suffering a bout of – inflammation of the airways that carry air to and from the lungs.
Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Ferrell announced in a statement: “At 7.35am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, , returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church, Farrell said in the announcement.”
After being hospitalised for bronchitis on February 14, the condition worsened.
Doctors changed his treatment for a respiratory tract infection following a “complex clinical situation”.
It was then confirmed he was suffering from double .
What is double pneumonia?
Double pneumonia, also known as bilateral pneumonia, refers toa lung infection affecting both lungs simultaneously.
The tiny air sacs (alveoli) in both lungs become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus due to infection.
While it's not an official medical term, it's a common way to describe pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Double pneumonia can potentially lead to more severe symptoms due to the increased lung surface area affected.
But the common symptoms of pneumonia remain the same, regardless of whether one or both lungs are infected.
The NHS says symptoms of pneumonia can start suddenly or gradually over a few days.
And there are nine symptoms to look out for:
- a – you may cough up yellow or green mucus (phlegm)
- shortness of breath
- a high temperature
- an aching body
- loss of appetite
- making wheezing noises when you breathe – babies may also make grunting noises
- feeling confused – this is common in older people
The causes of double pneumonia and single pneumonia are not different.
Both types are caused by the same types of pathogens, including , viruses, and fungi.
Who's most at risk of double pneumonia?
Double pneumonia is more likely to develop in certain individuals due to factors like age, pre-existing conditions, and weakened immune systems – specifically, under two and adults over 65, due to developing or weakening immune systems.
Individuals with lung diseases like , , or , or those with chronic illnesses like , are also more susceptible.
And anyone with a weakened immune system, whether due to medication, illness, or other factors, is at increased risk.
With appropriate treatment, most people with double pneumonia can make a full recovery.
If the pneumonia is caused by bacteria, are typically prescribed to treat the infection.
However, the severity of the pneumonia, underlying health conditions, and the timeliness of treatment can influence the outcome.
Individuals with severe pneumonia or those who don't improve with treatment at home may need to be hospitalised for closer monitoring and more intensive care.
It's essential to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you have pneumonia, especially if you have difficulty breathing or a high fever.
