Individuals can live with only one functional lung. While having both lungs is ideal for optimal respiratory function, the human body can adapt to the loss of one, continuing to provide sufficient oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Many individuals with a single lung can lead relatively normal lives, though their physical capabilities might be altered.
Reasons for Having One Lung
The primary reason a person lives with one lung is its surgical removal, a procedure known as a pneumonectomy. This surgery is most commonly performed to treat lung cancer, especially when a tumor is large, centrally located, or involves multiple lobes, making less extensive removal insufficient. Removing the entire lung offers the best chance to eliminate cancerous tissue and reduce recurrence risk.
Other severe lung conditions can also necessitate a pneumonectomy. These include traumatic lung injuries, such as those sustained from accidents, which cause irreparable damage. Chronic and severe infections, like advanced pulmonary tuberculosis or fungal infections, can destroy lung tissue to an extent where removal becomes the only viable option. Conditions like bronchiectasis, characterized by widened and damaged airways, may also lead to the removal of an entire lung.
How the Body Adapts
When one lung is removed, the remaining lung undergoes compensatory changes to maintain adequate respiratory function. The empty space initially fills with air, which is gradually absorbed and replaced by fluid. Over time, the remaining lung expands, a process known as hyperinflation, to occupy some of this increased thoracic volume. This expansion enhances the remaining lung’s capacity and efficiency in gas exchange.
The mediastinum, the space between the lungs, may shift towards the empty chest cavity. This shift helps to reduce the vacant space and allows the remaining lung more room to expand. The body’s cardiovascular system also adapts, as the entire cardiac output is now directed through the single remaining lung. This increased blood flow contributes to its enhanced function and can stimulate further tissue distension.
Living with One Lung
Living with one lung often involves adjustments, though many individuals can maintain a good quality of life. The remaining lung typically provides enough oxygen for daily activities, but overall lung capacity is reduced, usually by approximately half. This reduced capacity can lead to increased breathlessness, especially during strenuous physical activity or exercise. While intense activities may be limited, many individuals can still engage in moderate exercise like walking or swimming.
Managing overall health is important for individuals with one lung. Avoiding respiratory irritants, such as smoke, is important to protect the remaining lung from damage. Prompt medical attention for any respiratory infections is also advised, as an infection in the single functional lung can have more severe consequences. Pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes breathing exercises and techniques, helps strengthen the remaining lung and manage its function. Regular monitoring by a pulmonologist ensures that lung function remains optimal and any issues are addressed early.
Outlook and Quality of Life
The long-term outlook and quality of life for individuals with one lung are influenced by several factors. The underlying reason for lung removal plays a significant role; for instance, someone who lost a lung due to trauma may have a different prognosis than someone with aggressive cancer. The individual’s overall health before the pneumonectomy, including the health of the remaining lung, is also a determinant. Older age and pre-existing conditions can affect recovery and long-term outcomes.
Many people achieve a good quality of life after a pneumonectomy. While physical quality-of-life scores may be lower compared to the general population, mental well-being scores can be comparable or even higher than those of individuals with certain chronic diseases. Recovery can take several weeks to months, with strength and stamina gradually returning. Adherence to medical advice, including lifestyle adjustments and regular check-ups, is important for optimizing long-term health and functional capacity.