Can You Survive with One Lung? A Guide to Life After Lung Removal

Losing a lung sounds alarming, but it is entirely possible to survive and live a healthy, active life with only one. Whether due to surgery, injury, or a congenital condition, the human body can adapt remarkably well. This guide explains how one lung does the work of two, what to expect in daily life, and how to stay healthy.

Can a Person Live with Only One Lung?

Absolutely. While having two lungs provides more breathing reserve, one healthy lung has enough capacity to supply your body with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide under most conditions. The lungs have a large "reserve capacity," meaning a single lung can handle the demands of rest and moderate activity.

Many individuals who have had a lung removed (a procedure called a pneumonectomy) due to cancer, infection, or injury go on to lead normal lives. You might notice reduced endurance during intense exercise, but daily tasks are usually manageable. Over time, the remaining lung can even expand and improve its efficiency to compensate.

Expert Insight: "Many patients are surprised to learn they can live a full life with just one lung. The human body has an incredible ability to adapt." – Dr. Mark Johnson, Thoracic Surgeon

Why Would Someone Have Only One Lung?

There are several reasons why a person might live with a single lung:

• Surgical Removal (Pneumonectomy): This is the most common reason. Surgery is often performed to treat lung cancer, severe lung diseases, chronic infections, or extensive damage from conditions like tuberculosis.
• Trauma or Injury: A severe chest injury could damage a lung beyond repair, requiring its removal.
• Birth Defect: Rarely, a person may be born with only one functioning lung, a condition known as pulmonary agenesis. These individuals often adapt from birth.
• Lung Transplant Donation: In very rare cases, a living person might donate a lung (or more commonly, a part of a lung called a lobe) to a family member.

Did You Know? Pope Francis has lived most of his life with only part of one lung, which was removed in his youth due to an infection. His active life into his 80s demonstrates the body's long-term resilience with reduced lung capacity.

How the Body Adapts to One Lung

When one lung is removed, the body makes several adjustments to help the remaining lung handle the full workload:

• Expansion of the Remaining Lung: The single lung gradually expands to take up some of the empty space in the chest cavity. The diaphragm may move higher on the side of the missing lung, and the heart may shift slightly to optimize the available space.
• Increased Breathing Efficiency: You will use a higher percentage of your single lung's capacity, even at rest. The lung compensates by working slightly faster and deeper to maintain proper oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Blood Flow Adjustments: The circulatory system reroutes all blood that would have gone to the missing lung to the remaining one. The blood vessels in that lung can dilate to handle this increased flow without typically straining the heart.
• Slightly Reduced Total Capacity: A single lung cannot fully match the capacity of two. Lung function tests after a pneumonectomy usually show a capacity of 50-70% of the original. This is still sufficient for daily life and moderate exercise.

Life with a Single Lung: Daily Activities and Exercise

After recovery, most people find they can return to nearly all their previous activities with some adjustments.

• Everyday Activities: Routine tasks like walking, shopping, and cooking are generally manageable. You may get winded a bit sooner when hurrying or carrying heavy loads.
• Exercise and Sports: Exercise is not only possible but encouraged. Many people with one lung jog, cycle, and swim. You may need to modify the intensity and take more breaks, but staying active strengthens your breathing. Pulmonary rehabilitation is often recommended after surgery to safely improve fitness.
• Stairs and Hills: Climbing may be more challenging initially. Pacing yourself is key, and your ability will improve over time as you build strength.
• Breathlessness: It's normal to feel out of breath more quickly during strenuous activity. However, if you feel very short of breath during mild activity after you have recovered, speak with your doctor.
• Work and Travel: Most people can return to work, especially sedentary jobs. Air travel is generally safe, as cabin pressure is well-tolerated. High-altitude travel might cause more breathlessness and should be approached with caution.
• Swimming and Diving: Recreational swimming is usually fine once cleared by your doctor. However, scuba diving is generally not recommended due to pressure changes and the high oxygen demands.

Personal Perspective: "At first I worried I'd never breathe normally again... But a year later, I'm back to hiking with my kids on the weekends. I just take it a bit slower... I’m amazed that I can still do almost everything I love with only one lung." – Sarah, 45, after a pneumonectomy for cancer.

Recovery After Lung Removal Surgery (Pneumonectomy)

Recovery from a pneumonectomy is a gradual process.

1. Hospital Stay: Expect to be in the hospital for about 5-7 days. You will have a chest tube to drain fluid and will work with respiratory therapists on breathing exercises to keep your remaining lung clear.
2. Initial Home Recovery: For the first 6-8 weeks, you will have restrictions on heavy lifting and driving. Daily walking is crucial to improve lung function and prevent complications.
3. Pulmonary Rehabilitation: This guided program of exercise and breathing techniques can significantly improve your endurance and quality of life.
4. Follow-up Tests: Your doctor will monitor your progress with check-ups and breathing tests to see how well your lung is adapting.
5. Emotional Adjustment: Losing a lung can be emotionally challenging. It's normal to feel anxious about your breathing. Support groups or counseling can help you cope and build confidence.

Most people reach their new baseline of health and lung capacity within six months to a year.

Keeping Your Solo Lung Healthy: Tips and Precautions

Protecting your remaining lung is critical for long-term health.

• Avoid All Smoke: Do not smoke or vape, and avoid secondhand smoke. This is the single most important step you can take.
• Prevent Infections: Get your annual flu shot and stay up-to-date on pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines as recommended by your doctor. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Mind the Air Quality: Minimize exposure to air pollution, dust, and chemical fumes. Use protective masks when necessary.
• Exercise Regularly: Aerobic exercise strengthens respiratory muscles and improves your lung's efficiency.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight makes the lungs work harder. A balanced diet helps maintain an optimal weight for breathing.
• Practice Breathing Exercises: Techniques like pursed-lip breathing can help manage shortness of breath.
• Attend Regular Check-ups: Consistent follow-ups with your doctor can catch any potential problems early.

Inspiring Stories of Life with One Lung

Many people have gone on to achieve incredible things with a single lung, proving that it doesn't have to limit your life.

Meet Michael, a 50-year-old cyclist who had his left lung removed due to cancer. After a challenging recovery period and pulmonary rehab, he was back on his bike within a year. Today, he participates in charity rides and leads a largely normal life.

"Having one lung hasn’t stopped me from living my life. In some ways, it motivated me to live more fully, because I appreciate that lung so much!” - Michael

Stories like Michael's, and those of marathon runners and public figures with one lung, serve as powerful motivation.

Video: Living with One Lung – A Patient's Story

To see a real-world example, this video shares the journey of a young woman who recovered from lung surgery to run a 5K race.

▶️ Living with One Lung: Jane's Story (YouTube) - Jane discusses her fears, her recovery process with a rehab team, and the joy of returning to an active life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can you live a normal life with one lung?

A: Yes, many people live a normal or near-normal life with one lung. The main differences are slightly reduced endurance and the need to be diligent about lung health.

Q2: How much lung function do you have with one lung?

A: One lung typically provides 50-70% of the capacity of two. The remaining lung compensates, and this level of function is usually sufficient for a normal life.

Q3: What is the survival rate or life expectancy with one lung?

A: Having one lung itself does not necessarily limit your lifespan if the remaining lung is healthy. Life expectancy is more closely tied to the reason the lung was removed (e.g., cancer stage).

Q4: Are there any activities I should avoid with one lung?

A: It is generally recommended to avoid scuba diving. High-altitude climbing should be approached with caution. Consult your doctor about high-impact contact sports.

Q5: Can you donate a lung since you can survive on one?

A: Whole-lung donation from a living person is extremely rare due to the significant risk to the donor.

Q6: Is breathing with one lung painful?

A: No. After you heal from surgery, breathing with one lung is not painful.

Q7: Will you get tired more easily with one lung?

A: Yes, it is common to get winded faster during strenuous activity. However, regular exercise can significantly improve your stamina.

Q8: Does having one lung affect blood oxygen levels?

A: At rest, blood oxygen levels are typically normal. During intense exercise, they may drop slightly sooner than in a person with two lungs.

Q9: Can you have a successful pregnancy with one lung?

A: Yes, but it requires careful monitoring by a team of specialists, as pregnancy places extra demand on the respiratory system.

Q10: Does the empty space in the chest fill up?

A: The lung does not grow back, but the space adapts. The remaining lung expands, other organs shift slightly, and fluid fills some of the cavity.

Additional Resources

• American Lung Association: Lung Surgery and Recovery Information
• Mayo Clinic: Pneumonectomy (Lung Removal) Overview
• NHS (UK): Recovering from Lung Cancer Surgery

Conclusion

Living with one lung is not only possible—it is an opportunity to lead a full and active life. The body’s ability to adapt is remarkable. While adjustments are necessary, a single lung can provide more than enough function for daily needs and enjoyment. With proper medical care, rehabilitation, and healthy habits, you can thrive. One lung is stronger than you might think.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician for guidance specific to your health condition.