A groundbreaking study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) in collaboration with Clínic-IDIBAPS has shed light on how lung capacity changes from childhood to old age. Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, this research provides a new foundation for evaluating lung health across the lifespan.
Traditionally, it was believed that lung function peaked between the ages of 20-25 and then remained stable before declining in later years. However, these assumptions were based on incomplete studies that did not span the entire life course. In contrast, the current study utilized an “accelerated cohort design” that combined data from multiple population-based studies to cover a wider age range.
The study included over 30,000 individuals aged 4 to 82 years from various cohorts in Europe and Australia. Lung function and capacity were assessed using forced spirometry, a test that measures how much air a person can exhale forcefully after taking a deep breath. The researchers also collected data on active smoking and asthma diagnosis.
The findings revealed that lung function develops in two distinct phases: a rapid growth phase during childhood and a slower growth phase leading to peak lung function. Two key parameters, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), were used to assess lung function. Interestingly, women reached their FEV1 peak around age 20, while men reached it around age 23. Contrary to previous beliefs, there was no evidence of a stable phase following this peak. Lung function started to decline immediately after reaching its peak.
Factors such as persistent asthma and smoking were found to impact lung function differently than previously thought. Individuals with asthma reached their FEV1 peak earlier and had lower levels throughout life, while smoking was associated with a faster decline in lung function from age 35 onwards.
These findings underscore the importance of promoting respiratory health and monitoring lung function early in life using spirometry. Detecting low lung function early on could help prevent chronic respiratory diseases in adulthood. Dr. Rosa Faner, a researcher at the University of Barcelona and Clínic-IDIBAPS, emphasized the significance of these findings for public health and clinical practice.
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into how lung capacity changes over the course of a lifetime. By understanding the dynamics of lung function from childhood to old age, healthcare professionals can implement strategies to improve respiratory health and prevent long-term lung conditions.
