Revolutionizing Cough Management in India: A Call for Evidence-Based Practices

A recent study published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India has shed light on the chronic mismanagement of cough treatment across the country. The research, based on over 22 lakh electronic medical records, found rampant reliance on antibiotics and fixed-dose combinations without proper categorization of cough types.

Conducted by Kenvue, a prominent consumer health company, the study calls for urgent adoption of scientific approaches to classify and manage coughs, addressing the issue of overprescription of antibiotics, a contributing factor to antimicrobial resistance. It highlights the need for improved documentation and tailored treatment strategies to enhance clinical outcomes.

Kenvue has launched an initiative to set up specialized cough clinics in collaboration with the Association of Physicians of India, aiming to provide physicians with the necessary tools and structured training to make informed, evidence-based prescribing decisions, starting in Mumbai.