Brief Answer:
Need to find & control exposure to allergen. Consult expert.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thank you for the query through Health care magic. I have read & understood it.
I am sorry you have the complaint of long standing cold but the treatment received seems to be objected towards controlling breathlessness.
* Cold is mostly caused by exposure to allergens/ viruses causing irritation & inflammation of nasal passage leading to symptoms of congestion, sneezing, runny nose. On long standing it can get secondarily infected by bacteria. infection can settle in sinuses( sinusitis) / can proceed to affect respiratory tract or can cause spasm of bronchi & breathlessness( Bronchitis). Viral infection mostly settles down in few days (8-10 ) but allergic cold continues till exposure to antigen continues.
* The full management of cold therefore mostly consists of -
- Find the possible allergen ( by observation/ allergy screen test ) & avoid exposure ,
- Anti allergic, decongestant medicine for controlling cold./ medicines to arrest allergic manifestations( steroids / histamine cell blockers) till the allergens are recognized./ antibiotic & steroids as per need.
- Steroids have suppressing, effect on allergy symptoms till they are consumed. So only short courses to control acute symptoms are usually used.
- Other drugs for possible breathlessness are added as per need,
* Self care- Avoiding exposure to known or observed allergens OR possible allergens like dust, fume, extreme temperatures/ smoke- smoking .
- vapor inhalation does help in control.
* I would advise you to consult an ENT doctor/ Allergy specialist for expert guidance & specific care.
Thus specific allergy treatment would control repeated attacks/ prolonged symptoms of cold,, as per expert guidance.
I hope that answers your query. Any follow up query is welcome.
If you understand the problem & don't need any more information please close the query.
Thanks.

---