Lungs are among the most delicate and very important organs of our body, which every moment draw oxygen from the air and mix it in our blood and expel carbon dioxide from the body. This entire process of breathing goes on so spontaneously and continuously that we never notice what effect it will have on our life if one lung of our body stops functioning completely due to some serious disease, accident or infection. According to medical science and pulmonary experts, the surprising thing is that even if one lung of a person gets damaged or it has to be removed, that person can still live a normal life. However, for this the body has to follow some physical changes and follow the lifestyle prescribed by the doctor. Let us know in detail how life runs with the help of one lung and what are its effects on the body.
#1. Is a normal life possible with one lung? Know the truth of medical science
Generally, God has given two lungs in the human body – right lung and left lung. But medical science confirms that the structure and functioning of the human body is very flexible. Both our lungs have so much reserve capacity that even if one of the lungs gets damaged due to some reason or is removed from the body through surgery due to cancer, TB, serious injury or infection, the other remaining lung alone is capable of meeting the oxygen needs of the entire body. However, initially the patient may feel some difficulty in breathing or fatigue, but gradually with time the body adapts to this condition and the person starts doing his normal routine work easily.
#1. Why does a lung stop working? Main causes and initial symptoms
Lung failure can be the result of a sudden event or a serious chronic illness. Lungs get damaged due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), pulmonary embolism (blood clot) or severe chest injury. When a lung stops working, some warning signals start appearing in the body. The affected person faces problems like shortness of breath even after walking a little or climbing stairs, persistent cough, heaviness or pain in the chest, and feeling tired quickly due to low oxygen level in the blood.
#1. When the second lung alone takes over the responsibility: Internal changes in the body
As soon as one lung of the body becomes inactive, the body's natural functioning becomes active. A healthy and functioning lung begins to expand slightly in size and its efficiency increases so that it can handle the work of both the lungs alone. In addition, our heart and circulatory system also become more active so that adequate blood and oxygen can be delivered to every part of the body even when there is less oxygen. In the first few weeks or months, there may be difficulty in physical exertion like heavy exercise, running or going to the gym, but with the help of breathing exercises and yoga, the remaining lung strength can be strengthened to a great extent.
#1. What things should people living with one lung pay special attention to?
People who have one lung not working or who have had to undergo surgical removal have to be extremely cautious about their health. Such persons should completely stay away from air pollution, dust, cigarette smoke and harmful chemicals, because even the slightest infection can cause serious damage to their only functioning lungs. Apart from this, they are advised to get flu and pneumonia vaccination on time. Regularly doing Pranayama, Anulom-Vilom and light aerobic exercises strengthens the lung muscles and improves the ability to absorb oxygen. Getting your medical checkup done from a pulmonologist from time to time is very important for a long and healthy life.