Overview

• Lung function peaks at age 20 for women and 23 for men, with no plateau phase, contradicting earlier models suggesting stability until middle age.
• The study analyzed spirometry data from over 30,000 individuals aged 4 to 82 across eight population-based cohorts in Europe and Australia.
• Lung development occurs in two phases: rapid growth in childhood followed by slower growth until early adulthood, after which decline begins immediately.
• Chronic asthma leads to an earlier peak and lower lung function throughout life, while smoking accelerates lung function decline starting around age 35.
• Findings highlight the importance of early spirometry monitoring and tailored interventions to prevent chronic respiratory diseases in adulthood.