The BBC keeps reporting that the pope has "double pneumonia". What do they mean? Bilateral? Two lines? Two organisms? Severe? It’s a pseudomedical term that doesn’t seem to mean something specific. Thoughts? - ThreadSky

profmarciniak.bsky.social • 6 days ago

The BBC keeps reporting that the pope has "double pneumonia".

What do they mean? Bilateral? Two lines? Two organisms? Severe?

It’s a pseudomedical term that doesn’t seem to mean something specific. Thoughts?

Comments

andymoz78.bsky.social•6 days ago

What’s more inaccurate, ARDS as a “thing” or double pneumonia ;-)

profmarciniak.bsky.social•6 days ago

Double ARDS !

andymoz78.bsky.social•6 days ago

Oh no! It’s spreading 😬

isarge.bsky.social•6 days ago

I think it means pneumonia infection in BOTH lungs.

htoulmin.bsky.social•6 days ago

It was reported bacterial and fungal so that might be a lay meaning for double?

redneeraj.bsky.social•6 days ago

I've used it before to describe bilateral pneumonia in very sick patients. Seems to convey the severity well to the non medic. I've had it said to me far more often.

biscuitfairy.bsky.social•6 days ago

I've had numerous patients wear Double Pneumonia as a badge of pride. (Not trying to minimise the severity of their experience having said that).

biscuitfairy.bsky.social•6 days ago

I should add, as others have said, I generally take it that they mean bilateral.

wyshes.bsky.social•6 days ago

I assumed it meant both lungs/bilateral affected, but I have no idea really 😄

dermotor.bsky.social•6 days ago

To be fair to the BBC, presumably they’re quoting Vatican and/or Italian doctors? But get your point.

“Grumbling appendicitis” is another condition popular in media/with public that does not exist as far as the relevant specialty is concerned

unusualtimeline.bsky.social•6 days ago

It’s an old term for bilateral pneumonia.

nowthenthee.bsky.social•6 days ago

Double pneumonia is something I have heard since I started as an HCA in 1993 and on throughout my training and my clinical career. I don't think anyone would use it in a clinical setting now but it was common currency to emphasise how poorly someone was.

drkwildschut1984.bsky.social•6 days ago

Reports coming in of “initial kidney failure “ as well.
Not sure what they mean

jenrichards.bsky.social•6 days ago

I think the reporter is only repeating the Vatican 's reports.

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