What Happens When One Lung Fails?

Lung failure is a serious medical condition that has several possible underlying causes. Symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and confusion. To prevent the condition from growing worse, receive emergency medical attention as soon as you notice any signs of respiratory failure. See renowned thoracic surgeon and lung disease specialist Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri for complete care and skilled attention. His knowledge can help you make the greatest decisions regarding your diagnosis, available treatments, and recuperation.

Even though having just one lung that functions or having one lung fail might be a serious medical problem, many individuals can nevertheless lead reasonably normal lives with the right medical care and lifestyle modifications.

This blog will look at the complications, adjustments, and prognosis for this illness.

Understanding of Lung Failure

The vital organs that facilitate gas exchange—allowing carbon dioxide to leave the body and oxygen to enter the bloodstream—are the lungs. There are two lobes in the left lung and three in the right. Each lung has these divisions. When one lung fails, it indicates that major sections of the lung or the lung as a whole are not working properly.

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Causes of Lung Failure

There are several causes of lung failure, including:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Severe lung damage can result from emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
• Lung Cancer: Tumours may penetrate lung tissue or restrict airways.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clots can obstruct the pulmonary arteries.
• Infections: Severe TB or pneumonia can cause lung tissue damage.
• Trauma: Accident-related injuries may result in lung damage or collapse.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: The lungs may become scarred and unable to function.

What Happens When One Lung Fails?

Compared to two lungs, most people can survive with just one lung if necessary. One lung can usually expel enough carbon dioxide and create enough oxygen, provided the other lung is not damaged.

One lung can be missing while the other can still work rather well. Even though the lungs are vital organs, diseases like cancer or other conditions might impede lung function, prompting your doctor to suggest lung removal.

The medical word for surgery to remove the lung is a pneumonectomy. One lung is not too tough to live with once you recuperate from the treatment. It won’t be difficult for you to carry out routine tasks. The procedure shouldn’t have any effect on the remaining lung. You should eventually be able to resume most of your previous activities, but you may need to modify your strategy.

Nevertheless, each person is unique, and certain considerations must be made in each situation based on the individual’s lung function and any additional issues they may be facing.

A person can survive for a very long period with just one lung, depending on their general health and the state of the remaining lung. It does, however, take some getting accustomed to living with one lung.

A person will likely need to learn to slow down and adapt to this transition since, unlike when they had two lungs, they will not have their full lung capacity.

It is not usually the case that one lung is lost and one is always fatigued, unlike what most people imagine. Even though they might have to progressively reduce their usual activities, the person should be able to lead a very normal life with just one lung.

Also read: Lung Transplant In Delhi

Complications of Living with One Lung

• Diminished Capacity to Breathe: The body loses half of its ability to exchange gases when one lung dies. This decrease may result in:
  • Breathlessness: Exercise becomes more difficult when lung capacity is reduced.
  • Hypoxemia: Reduced blood oxygen levels can lead to weariness and problems with cognition.
  • Hypercapnia: Headaches, disorientation, and lethargic behaviour may arise from elevated carbon dioxide levels.
• A Higher Chance of Infections: The risk of respiratory infections rises when one lung is not working properly. Due to increased stress, the remaining lung may be more vulnerable to diseases like pneumonia.
• Heart Stress: To pump blood through the remaining lung, the heart must work harder. Complications include pulmonary hypertension, which can put stress on the right side of the heart, and might result from this increased workload.

Also read: Lung Transplant Surgery In Delhi

Adjustments Required for Living with One Lung

• Medicines
  • Bronchodilators: Helps to open airways.
  • Steroids: Lower inflammatory levels.
  • Antibiotics: Used to treat or stop illness.
• Oxygen Therapy
  • Supplemental oxygen can assist sustain sufficient blood oxygen levels in very hypoxic patients.
• Respiratory Care
  • This involves physical activities and treatments intended to strengthen the lungs, boost stamina, and teach patients how to properly manage their illness.
• Surgical Procedures
  • Surgery may be required in some circumstances to address underlying illnesses such as tumours or infections or to remove damaged lung tissue.
• Nutrition
  • Maintaining general health benefits from eating a balanced diet. High-protein and anti-inflammatory foods may be specifically recommended in diets to assist muscle strength and repair.
• Exercise
  • Lung function, general endurance, and cardiovascular health can all be enhanced by regular, moderate exercise. Exercises like yoga, swimming, and walking are frequently advised.
• Avoiding Pollutants
  • It is essential to avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, and other environmental toxins if you want to keep the remaining lung healthy.

Conclusion

Hold onto hope if you have to have a lung removed due to a single lung failure. Sure, it will be difficult, but having a lung removed shouldn’t significantly affect someone who is normally healthy. You’ll have to recognise your limitations in every situation. Even though you shouldn’t expect to regain full lung function following lung removal, you should be able to do the majority of jobs rather regularly.

It’s critical to comprehend the effects of lung failure, make the required modifications, and maintain a proactive approach to healthcare management. Anyone in this position must collaborate closely with medical professionals to create a thorough strategy that is customised to meet their requirements and situations.

To ensure a smooth treatment path, speak with Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri, the distinguished specialist in lung disorders and thoracic surgery. You may better understand your illness and make decisions about how to proceed with treatment and recovery with the support and knowledge of Dr. Puri.