Most colds and coughs resolve on their own, so treatment mainly focuses on relieving your symptoms. You may take over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches, and use throat lozenges or cough syrups containing expectorants or decongestants to ease coughing. Drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and using a saline nasal spray can also help. It is advisable to consult your doctor to ensure that any medication is appropriate for your symptoms.