Pope Francis suffers an isolated bronchospasm crisis

The Vatican reported this Friday, February 28 that Pope Francis has presented an “isolated crisis of bronchospasm”, which has caused a sudden “worsening of the respiratory picture.”

“The Holy Father, in the first afternoon of today, after a morning alternating respiratory physiotherapy with prayer in the chapel, presented an isolated bronchospasm crisis that caused an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory picture,” you can read in the statement with the last update on its health status.

This crisis is caused when bronchial muscles contract anomalously, causing a reduction in air flow to the lungs. Regarding the “vomiting with inhalation”, it implies the accidental aspiration of gastric content towards the respiratory tract.

The Holy Father was quickly “subject to Broncoaspiration and initiated non -invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response in soft drinks,” reads below.

It also details that the Holy Father “has always remained vigilant and oriented, collaborating in the therapeutic maneuvers.”

According to Vatican sources, the crisis began at 2:00 p.m. (Rome time) and ended in the afternoon, although they did not specify the exact duration. They also underline that the pontiff has overcome the crisis and that doctors need around 24 or 48 hours to make an evaluation of how this episode affects the condition of their general clinical picture.

Currently the Pontiff uses a mask that covers his mouth and nose and that allows him to have a gas exchange. They insist that it is not yet out of danger and that doctors continue to maintain the reserved prognosis.