Latest by Lee M. Akst, M.D.

How to Treat Chronic Hoarseness
A raspy, rough voice may be a symptom of a score of disorders. Here are some possibilities and how to treat them.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants
Tooth loss from accidents, gum disease, failed root canals, or decay is common—in fact, one in four adults lose all their permanent teeth by age 74, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. In the past, dentures and f...

Should You Get a Pneumonia Vaccine?
Respiratory infections can sometimes lead to pneumonia, so it’s important to get a pneumonia vaccine if you’re 65 and up or have certain health conditions.

How to Treat Bronchitis
Uncomplicated bronchitis usually goes away on its own, so treatment is typically focused on symptom relief. Here’s what you can do.

How to Treat a Sore Throat
If cold like symptoms accompany your sore throat, a virus is the likely culprit and an antibiotic won’t help. Here’s what to do instead.

How to Treat the Common Cold
As many as 200 different viruses can cause colds, so no one drug exists to cure one. Taking antibiotics will neither prevent sinus infections nor improve cold symptoms. Here’s what to do instead.

5 Hearing Loss Causes
The hearing loss causes given by respondents who participated in the 2014 National Health Interview Survey:

The Most Effective Allergy Medicine
Whether your nasal allergies are seasonal or year round, you may feel like you’re being bombarded with ads for an array of products. But which allergy medicine works best?