This is an inflammation and/or infection of the mucous membrane that lines the larynx and vocal cords. It can be acute laryngitis, which accompanies infections of the upper respiratory tract or chronic laryngitis due to recurrence of the acute form. The symptoms include hoarseness of voice and loss of voice. There may be a sore throat and difficulty in swallowing or a feeling of a lump in the throat. The usual cause is a viral infection, although laryngitis is bacterial in origin. Allergies that produce respiratory symptoms, excessive straining or use of the vocal cords may also cause the condition.