A new blood test supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) may help predict who is most likely to develop serious lung diseases like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
While not ready for clinical use yet, this research could eventually help doctors find at-risk patients earlier.
Scientists analyzed health data from nearly 2,500 U.S. adults over 30 years. They discovered that by measuring 32 specific proteins in a person’s blood, they could predict who was more likely to:
– Be hospitalized for a lung illness
– Develop COPD
– Die from a lung disease like pneumonia
– Experience flare-ups such as cough, mucus, or breathing problems
The risk score was based on data from adults who were ages 18 to 30 when the study began. By comparing lung function tests and blood samples taken over time, researchers identified patterns that pointed to a fast decline in lung health. Those with high scores were 84% more likely to develop COPD and 81% more likely to die from serious lung illness.
The researchers then tested this scoring system on over 40,000 people from past studies. Even after accounting for differences in age, sex, race, weight, smoking history, and asthma, the blood test accurately flagged those at highest risk.
Dr. Ravi Kalhan from Northwestern University said that this test could help catch lung issues earlier. “If we had an easy blood test to see if someone is losing lung function quickly, we could step in sooner to help,” he explained.
Dr. Gabrielle Liu from UC Davis compared the test to checking cholesterol levels to prevent heart attacks. “We’re looking at protein levels in the blood to predict lung disease,” she said.
This test still needs more research and must go through clinical trials before it can be approved by the FDA. But it shows promise for one day helping doctors find and help people before lung disease becomes severe.
If you care about lung health, please read studies about New diabetes drugs can benefit your kidney and lung health and findings of Many smokers have unrecognized lung problems.
For more about lung health, please read studies about What is the link between cough and lung cancer? and findings of Scientists find new cause of lung cancer.
The study is published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
