Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is a common, treatable disease characterized by progressive airflow limitation and tissue damage, often manifesting as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. It is primarily caused by smoking, workplace exposure, and genetics and is associated with comorbidities that can complicate diagnosis and treatment. This case study follows the rehabilitation of a 67-year-old COPD patient, emphasizing the role of occupational therapy in his ongoing care.

Case Description: A 67-year-old male with COPD and multiple comorbidities, including hypotension, alcohol abuse, bipolar disorder, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and MAC lung disease, was admitted to the hospital from an assisted living facility. He is being treated with BiPAP for hypercapnia and is unable to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) without moderate assistance. His therapy team focuses on stabilizing his respiratory condition, providing oxygen therapy, and offering nutritional support. At the same time, the occupational therapist works on mobility training, ADL support, blood pressure monitoring, and assistive device use. The occupational therapist's role in his ongoing care will be pivotal in helping him regain independence in daily activities, reduce the risk of complications, and ensure a safe transition from hospital to home care. The therapist will continue to assist him with adaptive strategies to manage his symptoms, particularly in maintaining adequate energy levels for tasks while being mindful of his respiratory limitations.

Discussion: COPD is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation and airflow obstruction in the lungs, with two main types: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. This patient was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis due to years of smoke inhalation, leading to further investigation of COPD. COPD often comes with high comorbidity rates, including bacterial infections like MAC lung disease, and can cause weight loss, a sign of severe COPD. The patient has frequent hospital readmissions, which is common, as 22.6% of COPD patients are readmitted within a month after hospitalization for acute or exacerbated symptoms.