With the amount of cough and cold products on the market, it’s hard to tell which ones are right for you.  The American Medical Association’s website lists some recommendations for over-the-counter products that will help with specific symptoms, which can be helpful in deciding which products to take, and when.

For fever, aches, and pains, the AMA recommends analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.  The most popular acetaminophen product out there is Tylenol.  Tylenol Extra Strength Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer not only helps with fever, aches, and pains, but is also less likely to cause stomach upset than other analgesics.  If you prefer ibuprofen, Advil is a popular choice.  Advil Liqui-Gels help relieve the aches and pains of a cold, but if you want to take something to address other cold symptoms as well, you can try Advil Cold & Sinus.  This product not only contains ibuprofen, but also has pseudoephedrine, a decongestant.  The non-drowsy Advil Cold and Sinus Non-Drowsy pills relieve aches and pains, as well as clear up sinus blockage, without making you feel doped up like other cold medicines may do.

If you have a cough or sore throat, the AMA suggests using an expectorant, such as guaifenesin or a product that combines an expectorant with an antitussive (cough suppressant).  Guaifenesin thins and loosens phlegm to rid the lungs of mucus and make coughs more productive.  Mucinex is an extremely popular brand of cough and cold products that contain guaifenesin.  Mucinex Expectorant is available with and without pseudoephedrine.  The version with pseudoephedrine, Mucinex D, not only breaks up mucus, but also works as a nasal decongestant. A product that combines an expectorant with an antitussive is Robitussin DM.  Robitussin DM breaks up and loosens phlegm as well as controls cough.

For a stuffy or runny nose, the AMA recommends decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and oxymetazoline or antihistamines, such as loratadine and diphenhydramine.  The best known pseudoephedrine containing decongestant product is Sudafed.  It helps with congestion in the sinus openings and passages, making it easier to breathe.  Because pseudoephedrine can be energizing or stimulating, it is important to only take it during the day.  A product containing oxymetazoline would be Afrin No Drip.  This is a nasal spray that pumps into your nasal passages and stays there without dripping out your nose or down the back of your throat.  It also should work for 12 hours without drowsiness.  Antihistamines are more commonly thought of as allergy products, but they can help with cold symptoms as well.  Probably the most popular antihistamine product is Claritin, which contains loratadine.  Claritin can help relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, throat, and nose.  Another very popular brand of antihistamine is Benadryl.  Benadryl Allergy features diphenhydramine and will also help relieve the same symptoms as Claritin does.

Please remember to consult with your physician before taking any over-the-counter medication.  This is especially important if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or are on prescription medications.

You can also help relieve cough and cold symptoms by using a humidifier or vaporizer.  When the weather gets cold and people turn up the heat in their homes, humidity levels decrease greatly, which can increase the risk of getting colds or the flu.  Humidifiers and vaporizers can help increase the humidity level and also help moisturize dry eyes and nasal passages, itchy skin, and sore throats.  A moist respiratory system also helps you fight off whatever bacteria or viruses you’ve got.  Humidifiers generally produce a cool mist where vaporizers produce hot steam.  Crane makes some really cute animal shaped humidifiers that are popular with kids and adults alike.  They are easy to fill and do not require filters.  Another option is the Vick’s Warm Mist Humidifier.  This product features a medicine cup that you can put an inhalant in, such as Vick’s VapoSteam, for further relief of your cold symptoms.

By taking the right over the counter products for your specific symptoms and using a humidifier or vaporizer if needed, your next illness should be your shortest and least severe!