Heavy alcohol use may accelerate lung function decline in adults with asthma

Published online August 6, 2025

While many health risks of heavy alcohol use are well known, its impact on asthma and lung function has remained uncertain. In the general population, heavy drinking has been linked to faster decline in lung function, yet some studies have suggested possible protective effects from moderate consumption. 

This research by von Hintze et al., published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, is part of the Seinajoki Adult Asthma Study (SAAS), a real-life, 12-year follow-up of 203 adults with new-onset asthma in Finland. Participants were categorized as heavy or non-heavy alcohol consumers using both self-reported questionnaires and a laboratory biomarker combining two liver enzymes (the GGT-CDT index), which reliably identifies chronic heavy drinking. Lung function was assessed by spirometry at diagnosis, after the initiation of inhaled corticosteroid therapy, and again at the 12-year follow-up. The study also assessed medication use, smoking history, body mass index, and several other factors to account for potential confounding variables.

The researchers found that heavy alcohol use was associated with a more rapid decline in forced vital capacity (FVC)—a key measure of lung function—compared with non-heavy drinkers. This association remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounding factors such as smoking, age, and body mass index. Heavy alcohol users also experienced more unplanned hospitalizations related to asthma. No significant differences were observed in medication adherence or asthma control scores between the groups, suggesting that the harmful effects of alcohol may be independent of treatment behavior. Overall, the study provides new evidence that heavy alcohol consumption can accelerate lung function decline in adults with asthma, underscoring the importance of screening for alcohol use as part of asthma management.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice is an official journal of the AAAAI, focusing on practical information for the practicing clinician.

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