Srinagar, Oct. 8 -- Despite a cough syrup crisis in mainland India, early snowfall in Kashmir's upper reaches and a sudden drop in temperature have made these medicines must-have for local parents this autumn. Shelves are emptied daily as families rush to pharmacies to treat children with coughs, sneezes, or mild fevers.

The surge comes even as the Union Health Ministry has warned states and union territories to use cough syrups carefully. Officials say most childhood coughs are self-limiting and rarely need medication.Buy vitamins and supplements

Pediatricians in Kashmir echo the caution, emphasizing that overmedication can be harmful.

"Coughs and colds are common in winter, and most resolve within a week," said Dr. Suhail Naik, assis...