In a recent year-long study, 40% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experienced falls, with more than 75% of these falling multiple times.
Factors linked with an increased risk of falling included smoking, having other illnesses, taking multiple medications, having a fear of falling, and falling in the past.
"The findings could be useful for developing preventative strategies," said Dr. Cristino Oliveira, lead author of the Respirology study.
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Journal
Respirology