What is double pneumonia, condition that Pope Francis is suffering from?

The 88-year-old Catholic leader, Pope Francis, is currently hospitalised with pneumonia. (Image: Reuters)

Pope Francis, 88, the head of the Roman Catholic Church has his health deteriorating after he was diagnosed with double pneumonia.

According to a statement by the Vatican, "Laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture."

But what is double pneumonia and how can it be treated?

We reached out to experts to understand. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that is caused by viruses or bacteria, leading to symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.

On the other hand, "double pneumonia is pneumonia of both lungs at the same time," Dr Mahavir Modi, Consultant Pulmonologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune tells moneycontrol.com, adding that the infection inflames the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, which can become filled with fluid or pus, causing cough, fever, chills and shortness of breath.

Double pneumonia, also known as 'bilateral pneumonia', is a more serious infection because both lungs are involved, which can lead to respiratory failure if not treated early.

The illness can be caused by a number of pathogens. Dr Modi explains, "The most common bacteria are Streptococcus pneumoniae (most frequent cause), Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or coronaviruses can also lead to double pneumonia. It can also be caused due to a fungal infection, which are observed in immunocompromised individuals or those with exposure to specific environmental factors."

Also Read | Pneumonia causes, symptoms, treatment: Take these precautions to avoid lung infection

The Vatican also informed that the infection affecting Pope Francis's lungs is "polymicrobial". What does this mean?

As per Dr Anurag Aggarwal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, a polymicrobial infection results when more than one type of microorganism produces the infection. "With pneumonia, a polymicrobial infection results from the co-colonisation of the lungs by several organisms at once or due to secondary infection, resulting from a preceding viral infection," he says.

Polymicrobial infections are complicated as they need to use several different treatments in response to different pathogens. 'The pathogens can act synergistically upon each other and therefore may complicated the presentation of the diseases as well as the treatment," Dr Modi warns.

How is it diagnosed?

A number of tests can determine whether a person is suffering from double pneumonia.

The easiest way is to assess symptoms like cough, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, tiredness, and abnormal sounds in lungs (crackles or wheezing). "The doctor will also check for risk factors, including a history of smoking, immune status, or recent viral infections," Dr Modi says.

Other than that, chest imaging (x-ray or CT scan), blood tests, sputum culture (a mucus sample), PCR (Polymerase Chain reaction), and Bronchoscopy can detect the presence of double pneumonia.

Also Read | Pneumonia and long-term health risks, from reduced lung capacity to increased airway resistance, more

How is it treated?

Treatment varies with the condition but typically involves the following, according to Dr Modi:

• Medications: Antibiotics, antivirals, or disease-specific medication.
• Surgery: Tumor removal, diseased tissue, or organs.
• Therapies: Radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or physical therapy.
• Lifestyle modifications: Diet, exercise, and quitting smoking.
• Supportive care: Palliative care for symptom relief.

Some groups of individuals are more susceptible to such conditions. "Older persons, young children, people with compromised immune systems, or those with chronic diseases such as asthma or COPD are more in danger," Dr Aggarwal said, adding, "Smoking and environmental air pollution also enhance susceptibility. It is important for these groups to engage in preventive activities such as vaccines and personal hygiene to lower the risk of infection."

Pope Francis was more prone to double pneumonia due to the his age and medical history. While he has a history of respiratory illness, he also had pleurisy (a condition that inflames the lungs) as a young adult. As a result, he had part of a lung removed, making him more at risk of lung infections.

In a statement, Vatican said that Pope Francis remains in "good spirits" while receiving the appropriate medical care and support.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.