laryngitis

INFLAMMATION of the MUCOUS MEMBRANE that lines the LARYNX and VOCAL CORDS . It is caused by viral infection in the main but also by BACTERIA , chemical irritants, heavy smoking or excessive use of the voice. Acute laryngitis accompanies infections of the upper respiratory tract, and the symptoms include pain, a cough and difficulty in swallowing. Chronic laryngitis may be a recurrence of the acute form but is often attributable to excessive smoking worsened by alcohol. Changes occurring in the vocal cords are more permanent. and the symptoms are as for the acute form, but longer lasting.