Lungs at home.

More than 100 years of progress in providing home care for sufferers of a variety of chronic respiratory disorders is reviewed. Patients with tuberculosis, polio, chronic respiratory insufficiency from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), restrictive ventilatory disorders, neuromuscular disorders and sleep apnoea can receive most if not all of their care at home with the application of modern technology. Major advances in portable and stationary oxygen systems and mechanical ventilators are reviewed. The advantages of home care are economic, social and spiritual.