There are many medications available to help alleviate cold symptoms. There are NO medications available to cure a cold. For nasal and sinus congestion and ear pressure. Swelling of the mucus membranes in the respiratory passages will cause the congestion that is associated with the common cold. To relieve some of the congestion take hot steamy showers and drink extra fluids.
Decongestants can also help to reduce stuffiness and shrink swollen mucus membranes.
Decongestants usually have no side effects but some people may experience trouble falling asleep, extreme dryness of the nose and mouth and some nervousness. Don't use these if you have any history of thyroid disorder, heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. Antihistamines are not routinely advised to treat a cold as they will have little effect on congestion caused by a cold. Cold like symptons caused by allergies are more likely to respond to antihistamines. To help control a cough and aid in loosening mucus in the lungs.