Former President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush are recovering in a Houston hospital after experiencing respiratory illnesses.
After experiencing a pneumonia-related acute respiratory problem last weekend, President Bush, 92, was transferred to Houston Methodist Hospital’s intensive care unit. Jim McGrath, President Bush’s spokesman, said, initially, President Bush responded well to the IV antibiotics, but his condition changed.
The President arrived at the ICU sedated and intubated, where doctors used a tube to remove a blockage in his lung. By Wednesday evening, McGrath said the former President was stable and conscious.
While doctors treated President Bush in the ICU, his wife Barbara, 91, admitted herself to Houston Methodist’s hospital. According to McGrath, her admittance was a precaution after “experiencing fatigue and coughing.”
By Wednesday evening, the former first lady received antibiotic treatment for bronchitis. Despite the urgency, McGrath said doctors find her status encouraging. The couple says they hope to be home within the next few days.
Reports show that President Bush already experienced health concerns prior to his hospital admittance. On Jan. 10, he sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump saying his doctors advised against sitting in cold weather due to the impact it would have on his health.
According to reports, the respiratory illness is not a new issue.
The former President suffers from vascular parkinsonism, a rare syndrome appearing as Parkinson’s disease and is only known for affecting approximately 20,000 people. The ailment limits him to a scooter or wheelchair, as those affected can only walk with shuffling steps. Many with the disease also suffer from small strokes.
President Bush explained in 2012 that his condition primarily affects his legs and isn’t painful. Unlike Parkinson’s, the disease doesn’t get steadily worse and does not respond to Parkinson’s treatment. While there isn’t much research on the disease, researchers find that treatment relies on living a healthy lifestyle.
