For your cough, cold, and painful swallowing, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce throat pain. Warm salt-water gargles and anesthetic throat lozenges can also make swallowing easier, while a decongestant can help with cold symptoms. However, difficulty swallowing can sometimes point to a bacterial infection like strep throat, which requires prescription antibiotics. Please stay hydrated with warm fluids. If you develop difficulty breathing, drooling, or an inability to swallow liquids, seek emergency medical care. I strongly advise consulting a doctor for a proper examination to get the correct prescription.