Chronic inflammation of the larynx often occurs without having been preceded by the acute form of the disease. It more commonly begins either as an acute catarrh, which from exposure and neglect assumes a chronic character, or in an insidious manner with insignificant symptoms at first, it by degrees develops more marked disturbances and eventually reaches a severity even in some cases affecting respiration. Hoarseness and a dry husky cough, which manifest increased severity at times, are among the characteristic symptoms.

The expectoration may be slight or more or less abundant; usually it is whitish gray, and frothy. The affection in many cases occurs in connection with consumption, and much the same treatment is demanded as in that disease. Cod liver oil should be given two or three times a day in tablespoonful doses, and if no gain is observed the compound syrup of hypo-phosphites in teaspoonful doses three times daily should be tried. The iodide of potassium in cases where no pulmonary disease exists, is an agent of value and may be given in the following mixture. -

℞ Potassil Iodidi ℥ ij.

Amnion. Carbonatis ℥ ij Tinct. Hyoscyami ℥ i Aquae Camphors ℥ iv Ft. Mist. Sig. Dose one teaspoonful three times daily in a little wafer.

It must be remembered that no immediate effect from the iodide of potassium is ever experienced in any disease, its efficacy depends upon its prolonged administration. In all inflammations of the mucous membrane where the natural secretion is lessened, no agent has a more marked effect than the chlorate of potassa. An ounce may be diluted in a pint of water and a tablespoonful of the mixture be given every two hours, until the cough loses its dry husky character and becomes moist.

External counter-irritation to the neck by means ot blisters and mercurial ointments, is of doubtful efficacy. Painting with the tincture of iodine daily instead, will have a happier effect.

A perfect and permanent cure of chronic laryngitis is a rare occurrence. The prognosis will of course be influenced by the associations or complications with other affections.

Ulceration within the larynx may be anticipated if the disease is of long continuance. As the vocal cords become affected by the process, the cough is less audible, shorter, more frequent and provoked by each inhalation. The disease at this point is utterly hopeless. The constitutional symptoms are now aggravated, emaciation is rapid, exhaustion and death speedily follow.