The four most common causes of chronic cough are identified by a review in Chest (2006;129: 59-62). They are upper airway cough syndrome (formally known as postnasal drip syndrome), asthma, non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. They may be clinically silent, apart from the cough. The authors conclude that the most efficient approach is to focus on detecting these four causes rather than routinely searching for the many other obscure causes.

Olle Hansson was a Swedish paediatric neurologist famed for campaigning against the unethical promotion and marketing of drugs. To honour his work, an annual award is made to someone from a developing country who shows the same qualities. Nominations for the 2006 award should recognise individuals who promote the concepts and rational use of essential drugs and who actively increase awareness among consumers about “the dangers of irrational and hazardous drugs” (for more information go to www.haiap.org).

Young women who terminate their pregnancies are at increased risk of subsequent mental health problems, according to a 25 year cohort study from New Zealand. The most vulnerable women are those aged between 15 and 25 years. Forty one per cent …