Karmaus W, et al. - Researchers studied lung function trajectories in both sexes by analyzing pre-bronchodilator lung function measured at age 10, 18, and 26 years in the Isle of Wight birth cohort. In men and women, a continued increase in forced vital capacity (FVC) was evident beyond 18 years, whereas they noted forced expiratory flow in 1 second (FEV₁) peak at age 18 years in female trajectories and in one male trajectory. In females and in males, the risk for later lung function deficits was conferred by eczema in the first year of life and the occurrence of asthma at 4 years of age, respectively. The risk of low FEV₁ trajectory in females and low FEV₁/FVC trajectory in males was observed in relation to a positive skin prick test at age four. Overall lung function trajectories and related risk factors were distinctive among men and women. Not achieving maximally attainable function at age 18 years and a function decline from 18 to 26 years both can explain lower lung function trajectories.