Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and its incidence is expected to rise. It was the primary diagnosis for 99,000 home care patients in 1999, costing over $190 million. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease was formed to review published research and present recommendations for the management of COPD. This article presents the recommendations, last updated in 2003, with an emphasis on interpreting the guidelines for home care.