Cold, cough and congestion are very common. A type of micro-organism called a virus causes most colds. There are many types of viruses that can cause a cold. Depending on the virus you have, your symptoms may vary. Treating the symptoms will not make the cold go away, but it will help you feel better. A cough is a defense mechanism that sets the body in motion to clear the airways. In other cases, cough is one of the symptoms of an infection of the respiratory tract. It is always recommended to consult a physician to identify the cause of a cough and prescribe a treatment.