Lung Function Peaks Earlier Than Previously Believed, Study Finds

Large-scale data show men and women reach peak lung function at different ages, with decline starting sooner than expected.
Lung Function Peaks Earlier Than Previously Believed, Study Finds
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Scientists have upended decades of conventional wisdom about human lung development, with new research showing that lung function begins declining immediately after peaking in the early 20s, which is much earlier than previously believed.

The findings combine data from more than 30,000 people across Europe and Australia and reveal distinct differences between men and women in how and when lung capacity peaks.

George Citroner
George Citroner
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George Citroner reports on health and medicine, covering topics that include cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions. He was awarded the Media Orthopaedic Reporting Excellence (MORE) award in 2020 for a story on osteoporosis risk in men.