The average lung capacity, specifically the Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), for a 14-year-old is approximately 2.73 liters. This measurement represents the total amount of air a person can forcibly exhale after taking the deepest breath possible.
Understanding Lung Capacity Measurements
Lung capacity is often assessed using spirometry, which measures how much air a person can inhale and exhale, and how quickly they can exhale. Two key parameters commonly used to evaluate lung function and capacity are:
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): This is the total volume of air exhaled during a maximal forced expiration after a maximal inspiration. It is a fundamental measure of overall lung capacity.
- Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1): This measures the volume of air exhaled during the first second of a forced expiration. It indicates how quickly the lungs can be emptied and is crucial for assessing airflow limitation.
Data for 14-Year-Olds
According to data from a study on "Pulmonary Functions in Normal School Children in the Age Group...", published on NCBI PMC, the average lung function parameters for children aged 14 to 15 years are as follows:
| Parameter | Age Group (years) | Mean Value (liters) | Standard Deviation (liters) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) | 14 – 15 | 2.73 | 0.56 |
| FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) | 14 – 15 | 2.45 | Not specified in reference snippet |
This data provides a clear indication of typical lung capacity and function for adolescents in this age range, derived from a study of normal school children.
