Breaking News
Snowfall, rain brings temperature drop in Kashmir, authorities close several roads
Iranian President Pezeshkian slams Trump, asks: “Who is he to deny a nation its rights?” over nuclear curbs.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Germany after 7 years to strengthen defence ties
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan visits Sri Lanka on his first foreign trip since taking office.

Children Hospital Srinagar issues dos and don’ts for managing cough, cold

  • Mansoor Peer By Mansoor Peer
  • Comments 0
  • 07 Oct 2025

Srinagar, Oct 06: Amid changing weather conditions in the valley, Department of Paediatrics, Children Hospital Bemina, Srinagar, on Monday issued a set of dos and don’ts for managing cough and cold among children.

The advisory aims to guide parents and caregivers on safe and effective home care practices while cautioning against the misuse of over-the-counter medications.

According to the advisory, cough, cold, and fever are among the most common childhood symptoms, usually caused by viral infections and are often self-limiting.

The department emphasized that most cases can be managed at home with simple supportive care, while certain warning signs require immediate medical attention.

For cases of cough and cold without breathing difficulty, parents have been advised to manage the condition at home by giving the child lukewarm water and honey—but only if the child is older than one year. “Children below one year should not be given honey,” the advisory strictly noted.

However, if the cough is accompanied by rapid breathing or chest indrawing, parents should consult a doctor at the nearest healthcare facility.

In more severe cases, where symptoms include bluish discoloration (cyanosis), oxygen saturation below 92%, labored breathing, inability to drink, persistent vomiting, convulsions, high fever, or stridor, immediate hospitalization is recommended.

The dos outlined by the department include providing adequate rest and comfort, frequent breastfeeding, giving warm fluids, ensuring humidification of air, administering paracetamol for fever, and a trial of nebulization if recommended by a doctor.

Among the don’ts, the advisory warned against prescribing or giving cough and cold medicines to children under six years of age. Parents were also advised not to use over-the-counter drugs, cough syrups, or antibiotics for viral colds, and to avoid self-medication altogether.

Paediatric experts at the hospital said the advisory was issued to curb irrational drug use among children and to spread awareness about safe home-based management.

“Many parents rush to give unnecessary medicines or antibiotics, which can do more harm than good. Simple supportive care and timely consultation can prevent complications,” said a senior paediatrician.

The department also urged the public to follow these guidelines, especially during the changing weather, when respiratory infections are more common among children.

Leave a comment

Related Posts

How We Can Help You!

labore et dolore magna aliqua. Quis ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida. Risus commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis.

Contact us