Having a cold can get you down.  Sometimes you feel as though you can’t function at all until you feel better.  Most people push through illnesses such as the common cold, and try to make it through their day, whether they are going to work or to school.  Luckily, there are many over-the-counter medications that you can buy that can help you ease the symptoms of a common cold.  Here is a look at some of the more popular medications that will help you treat your cold.

Pain relievers:
Pain relievers top the list of those suffering through a cold. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is often a good choice for people who have a cold.  This can help alleviate headaches, body aches, sore throat and other pains that you get from a cold. In fact, Tylenol and other pain reliever medication often come combined with other cold treatments to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with your cold.

Decongestants:
Decongestants are also quite popular for people who have a cold.  If you are suffering from a stuffy nose, a sore throat or, if you are coughing, a decongestant can help loosen up some of the mucus.  The effectiveness of decongestants is often debated among doctors. Some doctors feel that decongestants only mask the symptoms of your cold and may prolong your illness.  Other doctors feel that decongestants can be very helpful when you’re feeling sick. Cough medicines often contain decongestants and may be very helpful to you if you’re having problems sleeping at night.

Menthol and Vapor Rubs:
Menthol products such as vapor rubs are excellent for treating the symptoms associated with the common cold.  These can help soothe your sore throat and coughing without actually ingesting medication.  If you suffer from a cold, try adding a little bit of menthol in a humidifier or vaporizer at night for added relief.