Pope Francis has experienced two episodes of 'acute respiratory distress syndrome'.

The Vatican said Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized with pneumonia for more than 14 days, suffered two episodes of 'acute respiratory failure' on March 3.

The Vatican stated that the respiratory distress was due to "a significant buildup of mucus in the bronchi, leading to bronchospasm." Consequently, Pope Francis underwent two bronchoscopy procedures, during which doctors removed a significant amount of accumulated secretions.

A balloon with an image of Pope Francis printed on it.

"On the afternoon of March 3, Pope Francis continued to use a non-invasive ventilator," according to the Vatican.

The Vatican stressed, "It was a complicated afternoon," adding that the prolonged acute respiratory distress had passed and the Pope was resting.

The Vatican added that the Pope "remains alert, focused, and cooperative." Doctors' prognosis regarding Pope Francis's health remains cautious, meaning he is not yet out of danger.

The Vatican added that Pope Francis's blood test results remained unchanged, showing no elevated white blood cell count. This indicates no new infection and that the mucus buildup is simply a consequence of the Pope's pre-existing pneumonia.

Additionally, the Vatican stated that the cause of the "two acute respiratory distress syndromes" was a bronchial reaction, an attempt to expel accumulated mucus to eliminate bacteria.

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Pope Francis has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital (Italy) since mid-February due to inflammation in both lungs. The Vatican will release updates on the Pope's health twice a day.

CNN quoted medical experts as saying that Pope Francis's age and chronic respiratory illness mean that a lengthy recovery process will take a long time.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/giao-hoang-francis-trai-qua-hai-dot-suy-ho-hap-cap-tinh-185250304072742762.htm