Pope Francis, aged 88, has passed away after battling a severe lung infection known as double pneumonia, which had rendered him unconscious during his hospitalization. Unlike regular pneumonia, double pneumonia affects both lungs, intensifying the seriousness of the condition.
Pneumonia is an infection that leads to inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. This inflammation causes the air sacs to fill with fluid or pus, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, fever, chills, and breathing difficulties.
Double pneumonia, also referred to as bilateral pneumonia, involves an infection in both lungs. This often leads to more severe symptoms, including a higher fever, increased fatigue, heightened shortness of breath, and a greater risk of complications, particularly in older adults.
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Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections commonly trigger pneumonia. Treatment typically involves the use of antibiotics, antivirals, oxygen therapy, and, in some cases, hospitalization.
While many individuals recover fully from pneumonia, this lung infection poses a greater threat to older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions such as heart, lung, or immune system issues, as well as smokers or those with COPD.