Overcoming gaps in the management of asthma in older patients: new insights.

Asthma is under-recognised and undertreated in older populations. This is not surprising, given that one-third of older people experience significant breathlessness. The differential diagnosis commonly includes asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, malignancy, aspiration and infections.

Hypodermoclysis--a victim of historical prejudice.

Hypodermoclysis (HDC) had fallen into disrepute after adverse clinical incidents that were obviously the result of improper use of an ingenious technique. HDC has clear advantages over alternative parenteral routes. It has stood the rigour of scientific scrutiny but failed to regain its past glory.