Former US president George HW Bush will remain in a Texas hospital for now, but could possibly soon be discharged, his spokesman said.

Family spokesman Jim McGrath said the 90-year-old will stay for now at Methodist Hospital in Houston for observation after experiencing shortness of breath earlier this week.

Mr Bush, the oldest living former US president, was taken by ambulance to the hospital on Tuesday for what was reported to be a precaution.

Two years ago he spent nearly two months, including Christmas, at the same hospital for treatment of a bronchitis-related cough and other issues.

He suffers from a form of Parkinson's disease that has forced him to rely on a motorised scooter or wheelchair, although in June he celebrated his 90th birthday with a skydive.