Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 27 Feb 2025
What is Double Pneumonia? Pope Francis' Health Diagnosis EXPLAINED
The pope’s clinical condition is said to be critical but stable (Pic: Instagram/iStock)
Pope Francis is all set to undergo treatment for double pneumonia—a lung infection that affects both of your lungs—after he had a tranquil night of rest, the Vatican press office has announced.
While the one-line press note did not give any further details, the pope’s clinical condition is said to be critical but stable. “There have been no acute respiratory episodes, and hemodynamic parameters continue to be stable,” an earlier release had mentioned.
The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 following a bout of bronchitis. A recent health update also noted he was showing signs of mild renal insufficiency, which appears to be under control.
What is double pneumonia?
Experts say double pneumonia or bilateral pneumonia causes an infection that inflames the air sacs in your lungs, or the alveoli, which fill with fluid or pus. This inflammation makes it hard to breathe. The most common causes of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses, or infection from fungi or parasites.
Pneumonia can also be categorized by the number of segments of the lobes in your lungs that are infected. If more segments are infected, whether in one lung or both lungs, the disease is likely to be more serious.
What are the signs and symptoms of double pneumonia?
According to experts, while the signs of double pneumonia are the same as for pneumonia in one lung, they are not necessarily more severe because both lungs are infected. Doctors say it is important to note that double pneumonia does not mean double seriousness, as you can also have a mild infection in both lungs or a serious infection in both lungs.
Symptoms of this infection vary, depending on your age, general health, and the type of infection you have. A few signs include:
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Congestion
- Coughing that may produce phlegm
- High fever, sweating, and chills
- Rapid heart and breathing rate
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Confusion and delirium
- A change in thinking ability
- A lower-than-normal body temperature
How is double pneumonia treated?
Doctors say double pneumonia has the same treatment procedure as the one in one lung. The treatment plan largely depends on the cause and severity of the infection, age, and general health—how strong your immune system is.
Your treatment also includes over-the-counter drugs to relieve pain and fever, like aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen or Tylenol. Many times, doctors also prescribe cough medicine to help manage cough so that you can rest. According to the Cleveland Clinic, coughing helps move fluid from your lungs, so you don’t want to eliminate it.
Apart from the medication, a few lifestyle changes can also help, like
- Lots of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your body
- Do not push yourself to go back to your regular activities too soon
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