Chronic inflammation of the epiglottis is usually the result of uncured acute epiglottitis or of laryngitis. The main symptom is dysphagia. The epiglottis is found swollen and more or less discolored. Not only tongue-spatula and laryngeal mirror, but also the finger carefully introduced into the mouth, may ensure the diagnosis, especially if the upper portion be affected: then the thickened epiglottis is seen and felt as a peculiar rounded tumor at the base of the tongue. Oedema is distinguishable from chronic inflammation by both sight and touch. As to prognosis, it must be observed that the process of restoration is slow and that there is always danger of acute exacerbation. The treatment consists in attention to the general health and habits and in local applications. The latter are indispensable, and should be made by means of an instrument (Elsberg's applicator or the like) carrying a little wad of cotton or sponge. Some prefer a brush: to such individual preference no objection need be made, but powders and sprays are not advisable. The remedies to be applied should be in liquid form, and belong pharmacologically to the class of alteratives. Iodine, iodoform, and silver nitrate in solution are most useful. In subacute inflammation (see above) potassium bromide and chlorate, respectively, in saturated aqueous solution, may be applied once a day, or a saturated solution of iodoform in sulphuric ether, or ten grains of crystallized silver nitrate dissolved in an ounce of water, every other day. In chronic epiglottitis the tincture or compound solution of iodine, the ethereal solution of iodoform, and the watery solution of silver nitrate, in degrees of concentration varying according to the severity of the case and the individuality of the patient (the choice of either of the three agents, the repetition of the same, or the change from one to the other depending upon the effect produced), should be accurately applied to the part affected by means of the laryngeal mirror or the tongue-spatula.