Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the world. In the United States, it is the third leading cause of death and it is responsible for a significant health care economic burden. It is estimated that the United States spends $50 billion a year for COPD alone. Most of this cost is attributed to COPD exacerbations and hospital admissions.

In this edition, we navigate the care of COPD patients by starting with the pathophysiology of the disease as the basis for understanding the complexity surrounding this disease state. The contents include the cause, classification, and treatments, bringing the most updated guidelines to the readers. Included are articles on lung transplantation and palliative care, as these modalities are an essential part of care for end-stage COPD patients. In this issue, we also bring you a unique perceptive of how a multidisciplinary team can streamline care and help control readmissions and eventually reduce the cost of care. Cardiology colleagues also offer their perceptive on how COPD will affect the cardiovascular system.

I believe that this issue provides a comprehensive overview of COPD management. The scope and depth of the articles will provide clinicians with important information that will ensure optimum care of the COPD patient.

-Tariq Cheema, MD, FCCP, MMM

Issue Editor