Objective To evaluate the effect of community medical intervention on pulmonary function and quality of life (QOL) in the patients suffering from the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Methods Forty five COPD patients in Huazhong University of Science and Technology were recruited and divided into an intervention group( n =23) and a control group( n =22). For those in the intervention group, a series of medical programs were performed during a two year period, including propaganda of quitting smoke, COPD exacerbation prevention approaches, hygienical instruction and rehabilitative exercise. Those in the control were not given the above interventions. Then the pulmonary function and QOL of COPD patients in the two groups were retrospectively analyzed. Results Two years later, significant difference was revealed between the two groups in regard to the average annual decrease rates of FEV 1 and FVC, while the difference in annual decrement of FEV 1 % and FVC% was more remarkable in those with grades I and II COPD in the two groups. QOL was significantly improved in the intervention group as compared with those in the control group. Conclusion Comprehensive community interventions for COPD can improve patients' pulmonary function and their QOL.