I have a severe cold, runny nose, and cough; what medicine should I take?

For a severe cold, runny nose, and cough, over-the-counter medications can provide effective relief. An antihistamine (like cetirizine or diphenhydramine) will help dry up a runny nose and reduce sneezing. A nasal decongestant (like pseudoephedrine) can ease stuffiness. For a dry cough, look for a cough suppressant containing dextromethorphan; for a wet cough, an expectorant like guaifenesin helps clear mucus. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen for any body aches. Please stay well-hydrated, rest, and consult a pharmacist or doctor to ensure these options are safe for you, especially if you have other health conditions like high blood pressure.

I have a cough with chest congestion and vomiting that occurs every 2 to 3 weeks; what medicine should I take for this?

A recurrent cough with chest congestion and vomiting (often triggered by coughing hard, known as post-tussive emesis) every 2 to 3 weeks suggests an underlying condition rather than a simple cold. This pattern is commonly linked to cough-variant asthma, environmental allergies, or acid reflux (GERD). Over-the-counter cough medicines will only mask the symptoms temporarily. I strongly advise against self-medicating. Please consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. They can evaluate you for asthma or reflux and prescribe effective, targeted treatments like daily preventer inhalers or acid-reducing medications to stop this cycle.