Bush is at Houston’s Methodist Hospital receiving treatment for a 'chronic cough.' Report: Bush hospitalized

Former President George H.W. Bush is in the hospital, the Houston Chronicle reported Thursday.

Bush, 88, is at Houston’s Methodist Hospital receiving treatment for a “chronic cough,” his chief of staff, Jean Becker, told the Chronicle.


His condition is not life-threatening, she said.

“His big problem is a chronic cough, he can’t get rid of so he’s back at Methodist,” Becker said. “This is not a life-threatening illness.”

A statement from Bush’s office said the former president is “being treated for complications related to his bronchitis,” and is slated to be released within several days.

“He is in stable condition, and is expected to be released within the next 72 hours,” the statement read in part.

He was visited on Sunday by his son, former President George W. Bush, and former First Lady Laura Bush, according to the report.

Jim McGrath, a spokesman for Bush, told Fox News that while the former president is doing “much better,” his cough — combined with his age —warranted caution.

“He’s doing a lot better. He was admitted last Friday with a case of bronchitis,” he said. “They were able to successfully treat that case of it, but he still has a lingering cough and that and the fact that he’s 88, they’re just being extra cautious and holding him until the cough gets better.”

There were initial concerns that the cough could become pneumonia, but “thankfully, it didn’t turn in that direction,” McGrath said.