Our lungs may start to lose steam earlier than we thought. Today’s research suggests that lung function tends to peak in younger adults, and only worsens from there.
Scientists from the Barcelona Institute of Global Health (Isglobal) led the research. Published Thursday Lancet Respiratory Medicine. After analyzing data from previous population studies, researchers find that peak lung function is usually reached by the early 20s, and find that it declines steadily with age, reaching current wisdom.
The lungs are assumed to follow a specific trajectory, according to Judith Garcia-Aymerich, co-director of environment and health through Isglobal’s life course program. However, this assumption was based on studies that examined lung function only over a specific period, not over a lifetime.
To bridge this knowledge gap, the Garcia-Aymerich team analyzed data from eight different censuses in Europe and Australia. These studies were collectively involved approximately 30,000 people aged 4 to 82 and measured through pulmonary function. Forced spirometry, A test in which people blow as much air as possible after taking deep breaths.
The researchers first identified two broad stages of lung development. It is a rapid growth phase in early childhood, growing slowly and steadily, than in the early 20s. On average, this peak reached around 20 years old for women and 23 years old for men. Unlike other studies, they were unable to find evidence of a stable period of lung function after this peak.
“While previous models suggested plateau phase until age 40, our data show that lung function began to decline much faster than previously thought immediately after the peak.” release By Isglobal.
Such gloomy results may help improve how respiratory health is tracked and maintained, researchers say.
They found that certain risk factors for poor lung health, such as asthma and smoking, can have slightly different effects than those that are suspected, for example. Chronic asthma appears to weaken lung health at an early age. This is a weakness that lasts throughout a person’s life. Meanwhile, smoking appears to rapidly worsen the lungs of people beginning in their mid-30s. Having this knowledge may allow early intervention, researchers say.
“Early detection of low lung function may allow interventions to prevent chronic respiratory diseases in adulthood,” Garcia Eimerich said.
Our lungs may not be able to take the tip shape as expected, but there is little that most people can do to keep them as healthy as possible. Regular exercise.
