Lung function development in Indian men and women during late adolescence and early adulthood--a longitudinal study

Lung function development was studied in a cohort of Indian men (n = 31) and women (n = 36), over a period of four years during late adolescence and early adulthood. Forced expiratory spirograms and peak expiratory flow rates were recorded at intervals of approximately two years. All volumes and flow rates were higher in men, but volume adjusted flow rates were higher in women. Forced vital capacity (FVC) forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were significantly higher in men even after standardizing for age, height and weight. Height and PEF increased significantly in men and women over the four years. Volumes showed a greater increase whereas flow rates and volume adjusted flow rates showed a greater decrease in men. The decline in the forced expiratory flow in the middle half of the FVC (FEF 25-75%) was significantly less in women. These results suggest that although lung size is greater in men, small airway dynamics may be better in young women.