A third of patients use dry powder inhalers incorrectly

Observation of 224 patients using dry powder inhalers has shown that 32 per cent make at least one essential error US researchers told delegates at the annual scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) in Chicago.

Hypnotherapy successful in helping smokers quit

US researchers monitored 67 smokers over 26 weeks and found half of the 14 patients treated with hypnotherapy gave up smoking compared with just 15 per cent of smokers from the counselling group and 25 per cent from the 'cold turkey' control group, the ACCP meeting was told.

Antibiotic scrips justified to treat chest infections

Analysis of episodes of chest infection from 162 UK GP practices between 1991 and 2001 found 4 per cent of those aged 65 and over and who did not take antibiotics were diagnosed with pneumonia in the month after diagnosis, compared with 1.5 per cent of those who were prescribed antibiotics. BMJ Online

Taking a nap can lower blood pressure and protect the heart

A small study of nine people has found those who take a nap in the afternoon have a significant drop in BP compared with those who simply rest in bed or stand up over the same period say Liverpool John Moores University researchers.