The Vatican reported on Tuesday (Manila time) that Pope Francis suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency caused by mucus buildup, which was aspirated during both occurrences.
"Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm," the Holy See Press Office said in an update.
"Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions," they added.
In the afternoon, Vatican said non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed.
"The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times," the Vatican said.
Meanwhile, the Holy Father's blood test results remain unchanged, indicating no signs of leukocytosis (elevated white blood cell count). This suggests that there is no new infection and that the mucus buildup is simply a result of the Pope's pre-existing pneumonia.
The cause of the two episodes was the bronchi's attempt to expel the accumulated mucus in order to clear the bacteria.
Consequently, the Pope's clinical condition remains complex, and further episodes similar to these could occur.
