'Tis the seasons for coughs, colds, and sore throats. Americans are expected to spend $3.6 billion this season on OTC remedies, 1.7% more than last year. The upsurge is attributed to media exposure of swine flu and a tough economy that has more consumers trying OTC remedies before they see their doctors.

Nearly a third of all Americans have trouble getting a good night's sleep. Although customers seeking OTC help this year will have to rely on the old stand-by, antihistamines, a few new products are available.

More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and at least 25 million suffer on a daily basis. A Nielson study reported early in 2009 announced that 94 percent of patients are satisfied with their OTC remedies. The study estimated that OTC medications annually save patients an average total of $174 each in office visits and medication costs. Because of fewer patient visits top physicians, the study attributes $757 million in annual savings to the U.S. healthcare system.

The products pharmacists discuss most often with patients are oral pain-relief products, lip balms, and cold-sore preparations, according to an exclusive Drug Topics survey of pharmacists.

Caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are highly contagious and are present throughout the U.S. population in epidemic proportions. Because the stress of the new school year weakens the body's defenses and triggers cold-sore episodes, September may be called the start of the cold sore "season."

The kids are going back to school, and opportunities for exposure to head lice abound. In the U.S., an estimated 6 million to 12 million infestations occur each year among children 3 to 11 years old. This year, some new products offer relief.

Perhaps as a byproduct of global warming, poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants are spreading in numbers and their virulence is expanding. Several manufacturers are offering products designed to treat the rash, blisters, and infamous itch of these seasonal irritants.

In a recent National Headache Foundation survey, 53 percent of respondents had switched from Rx drugs to OTC medications in order to save money. In addition to the old standbys, a few new products are now available.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Several new OTC products are on pharmacy shelves for seasonal sufferers seeking relief.