Since the publication of the first edition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as a public health issue, has continually increased in line with the predictions of the World Health Organization - unfortunately, this trend is increasing, and by the year 2020 COPD will become one of the main killers of human life. With several important large scaled trials becoming available and our knowledge of COPD's determinants rapidly growing, it was essential to update Clinical Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with a second edition that will enable physicians to stay informed, aid in the clinical diagnosis, and the proper treatment of COPD