Humans have both left and right lungs. The lungs in the respiratory system are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. When the lungs are damaged due to cancer, accidents, or other causes, doctors may recommend removing one of them. But can humans live with just one lung?

Causes of one-lung removal

The process of removing a lung is called a pneumonectomy. This procedure aims to remove an entire lung, either on the right or left side. It is typically used to treat primary lung cancer, which is cancer that starts in the lungs. It is rarely an option once the cancer has spread to other organs.

A pneumonectomy is required for a variety of reasons, including lung cancer, trauma, and blunt force injuries. This procedure can also be used to treat inflammatory lung conditions like pulmonary tuberculosis, fungal infections, and bronchiectasis.

Lung removal is a high-risk procedure that can result in complications, so it is typically only recommended for patients who can tolerate it.

Some of the complications that can occur after lung removal are:

• Arrhythmia
• Pneumonia
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pulmonary edema
• Empyema
• Fistula broncopleural

How do you live with one lung?

After undergoing a procedure to remove one lung, patients must recover for several months. Patients will need to limit their activities during and after the healing process.

A person with only one lung may experience more frequent bouts of shortness of breath and is at risk of fainting due to decreased blood flow. They may become easily tired after performing daily activities such as getting up in the morning, climbing stairs, or rising from a prone and sitting position.

Other factors that influence this condition include age, lifestyle, and overall health. Patients with a history of smoking or other lung conditions that limit their function should exercise caution because they may require therapy or the use of additional equipment during recovery.

Tips for maintaining lung health

Humans can live with one lung, but having two healthy lungs optimizes the respiratory system and blood circulation. To prevent lung damage, you can maintain lung health in the following ways:

• Quit smoking

Cigarettes contain thousands of harmful substances, including nicotine and tar. These toxins can cause the lungs to produce more mucus, disrupting their function and causing tissue irritation and inflammation.

• Exercise regularly

When you exercise, your heart rate increases, and your lungs work harder to circulate oxygen throughout your body. Healthy, strong lungs help to prevent aging and other diseases.

• Avoiding pollution

Pollutants such as dirty air, motor vehicle fumes, factory fumes, and cigarette smoke can all have a negative impact on lung health over time. If you work in a polluted environment, you should always wear a mask or other form of respiratory protection.

• Breathing exercises

Deep breathing exercises, for example, help to increase lung capacity while also making you more relaxed.

• Regular health check-ups

Routine medical check-ups can help you detect health problems early on. In addition to health checks, get vaccinated to reduce your risk of diseases like COVID-19 or pneumonia.

Under certain circumstances, doctors may recommend that patients have one side of their lung removed. Humans can live with one lung, but they must significantly reduce their activities. If you have lung problems, see a doctor.

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