The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and Clínic-IDIBAPS have conducted a groundbreaking study on the evolution of lung capacity from childhood to old age. Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, this study provides a new understanding of how lung health changes over a lifetime.
Previous beliefs suggested that lung function peaked in early adulthood and then remained stable until declining in later years. However, this study utilized an “accelerated cohort design” to combine data from over 30,000 individuals aged 4 to 82 from multiple cohort studies in Europe and Australia.
The results revealed that lung function develops in two distinct phases: rapid growth during childhood and slower growth until peak lung function is reached. Forced spirometry tests were used to assess lung function parameters, including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC).
Interestingly, the study found that lung function peaks around the ages of 20 for women and 23 for men, with no evidence of a stable phase following this peak. Additionally, the decline in lung function begins immediately after reaching peak levels, contrary to previous models.
Factors such as persistent asthma and smoking were found to impact lung function differently than previously believed. Individuals with persistent asthma reached an earlier FEV1 peak and had lower levels throughout life, while smoking was associated with a more rapid decline in lung function from the age of 35.
These findings underscore the importance of promoting respiratory health and monitoring lung function early in life. Early detection of low lung function may help prevent chronic respiratory diseases in adulthood. The study provides a new framework for assessing lung health and highlights the need for interventions to support respiratory health across the lifespan.
For more information, the study titled “General Population-Based Lung Function Trajectories Over The Life Course: An Accelerated Cohort Study” can be found in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. The research was led by Judith Garcia-Aymerich from ISGlobal and co-authored by Rosa Faner from the University of Barcelona and Clínic-IDIBAPS.
This study sheds light on the evolution of lung capacity and the factors that influence lung function throughout life, providing valuable insights for public health and clinical practice. Further research in this area may lead to improved strategies for maintaining respiratory health and preventing lung-related diseases.
