Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, yet it has received relatively little attention in the literature compared with other leading killers such as cancer and heart disease. To identify, assess, intervene, and care for patients with COPD in the home, a comprehensive understanding of this disease and its effects is imperative. This article discusses the epidemiology of COPD, reviews normal pulmonary anatomy and physiology, and explains the physiological changes to the pulmonary system caused by COPD.