India’s First Cough Clinic Opens at KGMU, Lucknow — Doctors to Be Trained in Scientific Cough Management

Lucknow: In a pioneering healthcare initiative, King George’s Medical University (KGMU) has launched India’s first dedicated Cough Clinic under the Department of Respiratory Medicine in collaboration with the Association of Physicians of India (API). The clinic aims to train medical practitioners to scientifically assess and treat cough-related conditions — a step toward minimizing the indiscriminate use of cough syrups.

Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Suryakant, advised patients suffering from cough and fever lasting less than seven days to avoid cough tonics and instead drink warm water and take adequate rest. “Most week-long coughs improve naturally with warm water and rest; cough syrup should be used only if absolutely necessary,” he stated.

While the global controversy surrounding children’s cough syrups continues, Dr. Suryakant emphasized that caution is equally important for adults. He revealed that the initiative is part of a larger scientific and educational campaign to establish 10 Cough Centres of Excellence across India, aiming to train over 1,000 doctors within a year.

From Monday, 150 doctors from Lucknow and nearby regions began receiving specialized training at the newly opened clinic. The training includes case-based learning, focusing on how to identify different types of cough, interpret sounds, and recommend suitable treatments. The program seeks to equip physicians with the skills to distinguish between self-limiting coughs and those requiring medical intervention.

Dr. Suryakant outlined the clinic’s step-by-step approach for cough management:

  • Steam therapy first: For coughs lasting up to a week, steam inhalation is recommended for relief.
  • Consult a doctor: If cough persists beyond two weeks, it may be a sign of tuberculosis or other infections, warranting medical evaluation.
  • Syrup guidance: The clinic will guide both doctors and patients on when cough syrups are necessary and when they should be avoided.

The launch also featured detailed discussions on the causes, diagnosis, and management of cough, highlighting the importance of reducing over-the-counter medication misuse.

With the Cough Clinic, KGMU sets a new precedent in preventive and evidence-based healthcare — promoting awareness, rational treatment, and community-level training to combat the growing misuse of cough medicines in India.

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