title: Pulmonary anatomy and physiology and the effects of COPD.
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.
authors.affiliation: Medical Intensive Care Unit at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI, USA. Lachenda@comcast.net
authors.forename: Stephanie Lacerda
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Farquhar
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fantasia
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002908:Chronic Disease; D017281:Cost of Illness; D018450:Disease Progression; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008168:Lung / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010808:Physical Examination; D015995:Prevalence; D011652:Pulmonary Circulation; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014797:Vital Capacity