It is indeed possible for a person to live with only one lung. While this presents certain challenges, the human body can adapt to function with reduced lung capacity. This reality means that individuals who undergo a lung removal procedure can often lead relatively normal lives.
The Medical Reality
The human body can adapt following the removal of a lung, a procedure known as a pneumonectomy. The remaining lung can compensate by expanding to fill the empty space in the chest cavity. This expansion, known as compensatory hyperinflation, allows the single lung to take on a greater workload, becoming more efficient at gas exchange. While the overall lung capacity is reduced, typically by about 30 percent, the remaining lung can still adequately oxygenate the body and remove carbon dioxide. This physiological adjustment helps maintain sufficient oxygen levels in the blood, maintaining bodily function.
Reasons for Lung Removal
The complete removal of a lung is a medical intervention for severe conditions where the lung is severely diseased or damaged. One of the most common reasons is lung cancer, especially when tumors are large or central. Not all lung cancer cases require such an extensive procedure; often, only a portion or lobe is removed.
Other serious medical conditions can also necessitate a pneumonectomy. These include severe lung infections such as extensive tuberculosis or fungal infections that have damaged lung tissue. Conditions like severe bronchiectasis, where airways are abnormally widened and scarred, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also lead to lung removal if unmanageable. A severe traumatic injury to the lung that cannot be repaired may also lead to its surgical removal. In these scenarios, the removal is a necessary step to address a life-threatening condition or alleviate debilitating symptoms.
Life with a Single Lung
Living with a single lung involves adjustments, yet many individuals lead full and active lives. While the remaining lung works harder, individuals often experience reduced exercise tolerance and may feel breathless more easily, especially during strenuous activity. Activities like climbing stairs can become more challenging. Despite this, many people can still perform daily tasks without issues.
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in adapting to life with one lung. Patients often work with respiratory therapists to learn breathing exercises to strengthen breathing and manage fluid buildup after surgery.
Lifestyle adjustments also protect the remaining lung and optimize its function. Avoiding smoking is essential, as is minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants. Regular medical monitoring by a pulmonologist helps ensure the lung remains healthy and functional. Staying up-to-date with pneumonia and influenza vaccinations is also recommended to prevent serious respiratory infections. Despite limitations, the body’s capacity for adaptation, combined with proper medical care and lifestyle modifications, enables many individuals to maintain a good quality of life.