What happens if the lungs stop working?

If the lungs stop working, the body will not be able to get oxygen from the air. This will lead to a condition called hypoxia, which can cause death within minutes.

The lungs are responsible for gas exchange, which is the process of bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. When we inhale, air enters the lungs and travels down the airways into the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs in the lungs. The alveoli are lined with capillaries, which are small blood vessels. Oxygen from the air in the alveoli diffuses across the capillaries and into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide from the bloodstream diffuses across the capillaries and into the alveoli. The oxygen-rich blood is then pumped by the heart to the rest of the body, while the carbon dioxide-rich blood is pumped to the lungs to be exhaled.

If the lungs stop working, this process of gas exchange cannot take place. The oxygen levels in the blood will fall, leading to hypoxia. Hypoxia can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Shortness of breath

* Confusion

* Dizziness

* Lightheadedness

* Loss of consciousness

* Death

Hypoxia can also damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and other organs. If the lungs stop working for more than a few minutes, it is likely to be fatal.