Research Reveals Lung Capacity Declines Starting Between Ages 20 and 25

A groundbreaking study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), in collaboration with Clínic-IDIBAPS, provides new insights into how lung capacity progresses throughout a person's life. Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the research challenges previous assumptions about lung function stabilization after early adulthood. Traditionally, it was believed that lung capacity increases until around age 20 to 25, then remains stable, only declining gradually with aging. However, this new study, utilizing an 'accelerated cohort design' that combines data from over 30,000 individuals aged 4 to 82 across Europe and Australia, shows that lung function actually begins to decline much earlier than previously thought, immediately after reaching peak levels.

The investigation identified two key phases in lung development: a rapid growth phase during childhood, followed by a slower growth phase leading up to peak lung function—which occurs around age 20 for women and 23 for men. Interestingly, contrary to earlier models suggesting a stable plateau after this peak, the data indicate that lung function starts to decline early in adulthood.

The study used forced spirometry tests to measure lung parameters such as Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). These parameters revealed that lung function does not plateau but begins decreasing shortly after peaking. For example, women reach their FEV1 peak around age 20, and men around age 23, with an immediate onset of decline following this peak.

Furthermore, the research highlights the impact of lifestyle factors on lung health. Persistent asthma was associated with an earlier peak and consistently lower lung function levels, while smoking accelerated lung decline from around age 35. These findings underscore the importance of early respiratory health monitoring and interventions to potentially delay or prevent chronic respiratory conditions.

Experts emphasize that early detection of declining lung capacity through spirometry could play a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing long-term respiratory diseases. As Rosa Faner from the University of Barcelona notes, promoting lung health early in life is essential for overall well-being and disease prevention.

This study advances our understanding of respiratory health across the lifespan and may influence future public health policies aimed at respiratory disease prevention. The full findings are available in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2025).

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-loss-lung-capacity-ages.html