What Is an Iron Lung
An iron lung is a large, cylindrical machine that uses negative pressure to help a person breathe. It surrounds the patient's body and forces the chest to expand, pulling air into the lungs when muscles are too weak to work on their own.
History and Polio Connection
The iron lung became widely used during the mid-20th century polio epidemics. Polio can parze the muscles needed for breathing, and the machine kept many patients alive while they recovered. Hospitals used iron lungs in large wards to care for severe cases.
Modern Use and Legacy
Today, iron lungs are rare because modern ventilators and positive-pressure breathing support are more common. However, some people with certain conditions still rely on them. The device remains a powerful symbol of medical innovation and the history of polio treatment. Learn more about iron lung use from the American Lung Association at https://www.lung.org.
