""The flu condition that has afflicted the Holy Father for the past three days deteriorated tonight with an acute laryngospasm. For this reason, it was decided to urgently take the Pope to the Gemelli hospital," a Vatican statement said.
Laryngospasm is a closure of the larynx that blocks the passage of air to the lungs.
Then read this summary about Parkinson's respiratory complications:
All of the parkinsonian syndromes are associated with excess morbidity and mortality from respiratory causes, and all can produce the pattern of pulmonary function impairment consistent with neuromuscular disease. In addition, the parkinsonian syndromes can produce upper airway obstruction and abnormalities of ventilatory control, both of which can be life-threatening in those with MSA. The medications used to treat these disorders can also produce respiratory disease. A syndrome of L-dopa-induced respiratory dysfunction has been described, which may be a heterogeneic disorder of choreiform movements of the respiratory muscles, rigidity-akinesis of the respiratory muscles, or abnormal central control of ventilation, all related to the drug. In addition, the ergot-derived dopamine agonists can cause pleural and pulmonary fibrosis.
Obviously, the Pope's case of the flu is severely complicated by the respiratory effects of his Parkinsons. He needs our prayers urgently!!!
Informative post, thanks from all of us. I know about it from nursing end-stage Parkinson's patients; a lot of times pneumonia results from difficulties in swallowing (aspiration pneumonia) and the coughing causes laryngeal edema and sometimes spasm...I have a very sad feeling about this illness of the Holy Father, and I wonder if it is his time...
Of course, he is a strong man, even in his frailty, and he may surprise us all--that is my earnest prayer, and my fondest wish...
Thank you. The Rosary tonight will be for the Holy Father.
Thanks for the ping.