When diphtheritic inflammation begins in the respiratory tract, sore throat and fever usually develop.Prostration and dyspnea soon follow because of the obstruction caused by the membrane。

当呼吸道引起炎症，通常有咽痛和发热，然后于假膜的阻碍会感到虚脱和呼吸困难，如果不疗可能会引起窒息。