Why cold and cough happens
A cold virus enters through the nose or eyes and infects the lining of the upper respiratory tract. Your immune system responds with inflammation, mucus production and reflex sneezing/coughing — all designed to expel the virus. The runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes peak around day 2-3; the cough usually starts later and can outlast everything else by a week or two. The cough is often the body's way of clearing mucus dripping down the back of the throat (post-nasal drip), which is why suppressing it isn't always the right move.
What helps — OTC options & advice
For a runny nose and sneezing: a non-drowsy antihistamine like cetirizine 10 mg or levocetirizine 5 mg taken at night cuts the symptoms within 1-2 hours and lasts 24 hours. Brand options: Allegra, Cetzine, Alerid. For a blocked nose: phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine in combination cold tablets (Sinarest, D-Cold Total, Coldarin) opens up the airway for 4-6 hours — avoid if you have high BP, thyroid issues or are pregnant. A saline nasal spray (Nasivion saline, Otrivin saline) is safer and works mechanically by thinning mucus. For a sore throat: medicated lozenges (Strepsils, Vicks lozenges) soothe within minutes; warm saltwater gargles work just as well. For a dry, hacking cough: dextromethorphan-based suppressants (Benadryl DR, Honitus DX) help at night so you can sleep. For a wet, productive cough: leave it alone or use a mucolytic (ambroxol, guaifenesin) to thin secretions — don't suppress a productive cough as you need to clear the mucus.
Home remedies & lifestyle
Steam inhalation 2-3 times a day clears nasal passages and loosens chest mucus — add a few drops of eucalyptus oil for added decongestant effect. A warm honey-lemon-ginger drink at night soothes a sore throat and suppresses cough almost as well as some cough syrups (this is now backed by clinical trials in children over 1 year). A teaspoon of plain honey before bed reduces overnight cough frequency. Stay hydrated — at least 2 litres of warm fluids a day. Sleep with the head elevated by an extra pillow to reduce post-nasal drip. Skip dairy if it's making the mucus thicker for you (effect varies between individuals).
