The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) strives to provide accessible and relevant information, contributing to societal well-being. Having received encouraging feedback from the community and stakeholders for topics such as obesity, measles, autism, Down syndrome, and thalassemia,  IAP has now launched its 8th awareness campaign “Tackling Cough with Care” to manage the growing menace of cough and its related complications.

Earlier, the IAP launched the “IAP Ki Baat, Community Ke Saath” campaign, which addresses critical issues in child health. Aligned with the Presidential Action Plan for 2024 and 2025, this ongoing initiative will be conducted every year to engage communities and disseminate vital information on child health over two years.

Coughing is a natural protective reflex. Cough is one of the most common symptoms in children, especially infants and pre-schoolers. Viral infections and allergies are the most common causes of cough. Timely immunization against infectious diseases is a step towards protection. Teaching proper cough manners to children prevents the spread of infection. Avoiding irritants at home (tobacco smoke, strong perfumes, deodorants, agarbattis) helps reduce allergic cough. In most children, the cough usually subsides within three weeks. if prolonged and persistent, disrupts sleep, activity, and feeding, it needs investigation.

Your pediatrician is the best guide to help your child and may recommend investigations like chest X-rays or blood tests if needed. Contrary to popular belief, over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups are unnecessary for most children and can be harmful if used inappropriately. Useful medications include bronchodilators for allergic cough and antihistamine syrups for post-nasal drip. Home remedies like honey and warm liquids are generally helpful for children.

 Dr. GV Basavaraja, National IAP President 2024, emphasizes, “The ‘IAP Ki Baat, Community Ke Saath’ campaign is vital for ensuring the well-being of children nationwide. Children below 3 months are having respiratory symptoms such as cough.  30-40% of kids are getting affected with respiratory infections due to the constant misuse of antibiotics.  By creating awareness, the aim will be to reduce the misuse of antibiotics. We will educate parents and the masses with the help of digital platforms, and physical media by conducting a Continuing medical education (CME). We will also be organizing awareness campaigns in schools across the country. By providing accurate and credible information on cough, we aim to empower parents and caregivers to make informed decisions about their children’s health.”

Dr. Vasant Khalatkar, National President 2025, adds, “Through collaborative efforts and widespread dissemination, we aim to address misconceptions and promote best practices in cough, ultimately contributing to the overall health and wellbeing of our children.”

The campaign’s esteemed team of experts, led by Convenor Dr. S Nagabhushana, Dr. B S Sharma, Dr. Shilpa Hazare, Dr. Indraneel Haldar, Dr. Pawan Kalyan P, along with the scientific committee comprising Dr. Piyali Bhattacharya, Dr. Gayatri Bezboruah, Dr. Prashant V Kariya, Dr. Mubashir Hassan Shah, Dr. Cherukuri Nirmala, and Dr. Manmeet Kaur Sodhi, will ensure the accurate and credible dissemination of information about “Tackling Cough with Care.” Key IAP officials, including Dr. GV Basavaraja, Dr. Vasant Khalatkar, Dr. Yogesh Parikh, Dr. Atanu Bhadra, and National Coordinators Dr. Geeta Patil, Dr. Samir Dalwai, Dr. Kishore Baindur, Dr. Shantaraj, and Dr. Amaresh Patil, will virtually unveil awareness posters and videos as part of this campaign.