Nasal congestion is treated with oral or topical decongestants to shrink edema and swelling, thus making it easier to breath. Antihistamines, which dry up nasal secretions, can help with a cough. Use these medications with caution in small children because they tend to experience side effects from antihistamines more easily than adults and older children. The headache and feverish feeling can be controlled with aspirin in adults and acetaminophen and ibuprofen in both adults and children. The best step in treating a nonproductive, hacking cough is a cough suppressant.
Expectorants are a good choice, if the cough is productive or if there is a lot of chest congestion.
A dry, sore throat can be treated with lozenges and gargles, but their benefits are limited usually to their soothing effects. Lozenges and gargles that contain topical anesthetics may be beneficial to some, but the taste may not be appealing to others, especially children. Cough drops that contain a suppressant can be of benefit in treating the cough and dry throat. Vitamin C, zinc lozenges, and many herbal products are also highly advertised to help in the treatment of cold symptoms. Clinical studies have been conducted to prove the benefits of vitamin C and zinc lozenges, but with conflicting results.