Swelling of the vocal cords prevents them from coming together properly which makes a change in the voice. Acute laryngitis usually occurs due to swelling of the vocal cords from a common cold, upper respiratory tract viral infection, or irritation caused by excessive voice use such as screaming at a sporting event or rock concert.

Morning hoarseness; chronic sore throat; frequent throat clearing; excessive phlegm; prolonged voice warn-up time; a sensation of a "lump in the throat"; night coughing. These do not enhance vocal quality. Salt water and lemon juice, are each irritating and drying to the tissues of the mouth and throat.

A2.03. Some people think they do, and they think it is the way things have to be. But that's not necessarily true because permanent laryngitis doesn't exist ordinarily. If laryngitis or hoarseness lasts more than two weeks, the individual should see a medical doctor. So-called "permanent laryngitis" without medical cause merely indicates you are hurting your voice by using it as you do. Nearly all cases of "laryngitis" I have seen are not permanent at all.