Common cold appointments

While medication won’t “cure” a cold, it can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery. Common forms of medication used to treat colds include:

- Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce headaches and fever associated with a cold.

- Decongestants: Decongestant medication such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) are widely available as nasal sprays or oral tablets. These drugs can loosen up mucus in the nose and reduce the stuffiness associated with a cold.

- Cough suppressants: Over-the-counter cough medicine such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin) help to suppress coughing and reduce the symptoms of a cold.

- Antihistamines: Antihistamines such as Benadryl are widely available over-the-counter, and help reduce the sneezing and stuffiness associated with a cold.

Most colds will start to go away within a few days. There are several methods you can use to reduce symptoms and encourage recovery. These self-care tips include:

- Drink plenty of fluids. To maintain hydration, drink plenty of water, fruit juice, and broths. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these substances can dry you out.

- Rest. To speed up recovery, make sure to get plenty of rest. Avoid social contact, and refrain from strenuous activity until your symptoms begin to go away.

- Use a humidifier. To relieve coughing and loosen mucus, use a cool air humidifier to keep your home moisturized.

- Supplements. Vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea may help shorten the recovery time of a common cold. More evidence is needed to confirm this, so talk to your doctor to see if these alternative medicines are right for you.