Ask a doctor - Can you live with one lung?

Q. Can you live with one lung?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Yes, you can live with just one lung! Our bodies are pretty amazing in their ability to adapt to changes. While having both lungs is ideal for optimal breathing and oxygen exchange, it is possible to lead a relatively normal life with just one lung.

Here's how it works: When you have one lung removed, whether due to surgery or injury, the remaining lung expands to take up some of the extra space in your chest cavity. This allows it to still function pretty well in terms of oxygenating your blood and removing carbon dioxide.

However, there are a few adjustments that need to be made. For example, you may find yourself getting short of breath more easily during physical activity, especially at first. Your body will also compensate by increasing the capacity of the remaining lung, and your cardiovascular system may adapt to deliver oxygen more efficiently.

It's important to take care of your health overall if you only have one lung. This means avoiding smoking and other lung-damaging activities, staying active to maintain good lung function, and following any recommendations from your healthcare provider.

In some cases, people with one lung may need to make certain lifestyle changes or accommodations. For instance, they may need to avoid high altitudes or extreme physical exertion. But for many people, living with one lung doesn't drastically affect their quality of life.

So, while it's definitely a significant change, having one lung doesn't mean your life is over. With proper care and some adjustments, you can still lead a fulfilling and active life.