This is of much more frequent occurrence than the acute form, and is often associated with tubercular affections, and constitutional syphilis. It is characterized by an inflammatory condition, ulceration, or hardening of the mucous membrane of the larynx, most frequently the latter. There is also a chronic form, known as follicular laryngitis, or clergymen's sore throat, to which public speakers are subject.

The Causes of chronic laryngitis are various, as prolonged use of the vocal organs in reading or speaking; using them too long on one pitch or key, without regard to their modulation; improper treatment of acute diseases of the throat; neglected nasal catarrh; the inordinate use of mercury; syphilis; repeated colds which directly cause sore throat, injuries, etc. It is also frequently due to tubercular deposits, and in these cases it generally terminates in consumption.

Symptoms. The affection often comes on insidiously. There is soreness of the throat, noticeable particularly when speaking, and immediately thereafter; a "raw" and constricted feeling, leading to frequent attempts to clear the throat, in order to relieve the uneasy sensation. The voice becomes altered, hoarse, and husky, and there is a slight, peculiar cough, with but little expectoration. At first, the matter expectorated is mucus, but as the disease advances, and ulceration progresses, it becomes muco-purulent, perhaps lumpy, bloody, or is almost wholly pure pus. The voice becomes more and more impaired, and is finally lost. In the latter stages, it resembles consumption, being attended with hectic fever, night-sweats, emaciation, cough, profuse expectoration, and sometimes hemorrhage.

Treatment. The patient should avoid using his voice as much as possible. At the same time, attention should be paid to the diet, the bathing, and the clothing. Every thing should be done that is calculated to build up and improve the general health. Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery is well adapted to remove morbid states of the disease, in consequence of its direct action on the mucous membranes of the air-passages, and its efficacy in allaying irritation of the laryngeal, pharyngeal, and pneumogastric nerves. It should be perseveringly employed. Iodine inhalations, administered with the pocket inhaler, illustrated by Fig. 3, and the application of tincture of iodine to the forepart of the neck, are efficacious in many cases. Inhalations of chloride of ammonia, administered with a steam-atomizer, Fig. 11, in the form of spray, are frequently of great benefit. Perseverance is necessary, and the afflicted are cautioned against discontinuing the treatment too soon, for the disease is very liable to return.