It is possible to live a long and fulfilling life with only one lung. The medical procedure to remove an entire lung is called a pneumonectomy, and the human body possesses a remarkable ability to adapt to this change. While the total capacity for breathing is reduced, the remaining lung and the cardiovascular system work together to ensure that the body maintains adequate oxygen levels for daily function. This adaptation means that a single healthy lung is generally sufficient to support normal activities, though adjustments are often needed for strenuous physical exertion.
The Remaining Lung and Lifespan
The question of how long a person can live after the loss of a lung depends significantly on the underlying reason for the removal. Patients who undergo a pneumonectomy for a non-cancerous condition, such as severe trauma or a chronic infection, generally have a prognosis closer to that of the general population once they recover from the initial procedure. The long-term outlook for these individuals is largely determined by their overall health and the absence of other chronic diseases affecting the remaining lung.
For those who have a pneumonectomy due to lung cancer, the primary factor limiting survival is often the original disease itself, rather than the reduced lung capacity. Long-term survival is possible, and the prognosis is better in individuals with earlier-stage cancer and those who do not experience significant post-operative complications.
The long-term survival of a person with one lung is determined by the health of the remaining lung and the severity of any original disease. A single, healthy lung can supply enough oxygen for life, work, and moderate physical activity. Patients who had one lung removed for a benign condition are expected to have superior long-term survival compared to those treated for malignancy.
Causes for Single Lung Status
An individual may have a single lung due to a few distinct medical situations, the most common being a surgical removal known as a pneumonectomy. This procedure is performed when a lung is severely damaged or diseased beyond repair. The most frequent reason for this surgery is the presence of lung cancer, particularly when a tumor is centrally located or too large for a smaller resection.
Beyond malignancy, a pneumonectomy may be necessary to treat devastating lung injuries, such as those sustained from severe trauma. Chronic, destructive infections like tuberculosis or severe fungal infections can also destroy a lung, requiring removal to prevent the spread of disease. In rare instances, a person may be born with pulmonary agenesis, a congenital condition where one lung fails to develop entirely.
How the Body Compensates
The remaining lung adapts to the increased workload through several physiological mechanisms that boost its efficiency. The most immediate change is hyperinflation, where the remaining lung expands to fill the space previously occupied by the removed organ. This expansion helps to maximize the surface area available for gas exchange and prevents the shift of other organs in the chest cavity.
This compensatory mechanism involves the remaining alveoli, the tiny air sacs, becoming more distended and actively recruited for breathing. The existing gas exchange units are used much more effectively, even though new alveolar multiplication is less common in adults. The entire cardiac output is redirected into the single pulmonary artery supplying the remaining lung, effectively doubling the blood flow through that lung.
The increased blood flow and the physical stretch from hyperinflation enhance the diffusion capacity, ensuring that oxygen transfer to the blood and carbon dioxide removal remain efficient. The chest wall and diaphragm also adapt over time to support the mechanics of the expanded, single lung. This adaptation allows the body to meet its oxygen demands during rest and light activity without significant distress.
Daily Life and Activity Levels
For most individuals with one healthy lung, daily life feels normal once they have fully recovered from the procedure. Simple activities, such as walking, light household chores, and climbing a few flights of stairs, are typically manageable. The body’s capacity for breathing at rest is well-maintained by the remaining, adapted lung.
However, the reduction in total lung capacity means that individuals may feel winded or short of breath more quickly during strenuous physical exertion. Activities that require high endurance, such as competitive running, heavy manual labor, or high-altitude climbing, may present significant limitations. Most people find they can still enjoy moderate exercise, such as walking, gentle cycling, or swimming, which helps improve overall endurance and lung efficiency.
Long-term management requires a strong focus on preventative care to protect the remaining lung. Avoiding all forms of smoking is essential, as is preventing respiratory infections, such as getting regular vaccinations. Regular follow-up with specialists is necessary to monitor the function of the remaining lung and the cardiovascular system.