George H.W. Bush in Stable Condition, Receives Bronchitis Treatment at Houston Hospital
Former president George H.W. Bush is in stable condition at a Houston hospital where he has been treated for a non-life threatening medical condition, bronchitis and a bad cough, for the past three weeks, according to reports Sunday. There is still no discharge date set.
Doctors at Methodist Hospital say Bush is stable, continues to improve but they have not decided when to discharge him, according to hospital spokesman George Kovacik. No other information was released on 88-year-old Bush who continues to recover.
The 41st president was hospitalized the day after Thanksgiving. He was admitted after he suffered a persistent cough. At the time, his chief of staff released the following statement: "His big problem is a chronic cough he can't get rid of so he's back at Methodist (Hospital). This is not a life-threatening illness."
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Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to the lungs. It causes a cough that often brings up mucus, as well as shortness of breath.
There were initial concerns that his cough could turn into pneumonia, but so far that has not been the case.
Bush was expected to be released the weekend following his admittance. However, his hospital stay has extended longer than planned.
During his stay, Bush has been visited by his son, former president George W. Bush, and his wife Laura Bush.
George H.W. Bush was vice president for two terms under President Ronald Reagan, before serving himself as president from 1989-1993.
