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。

当喉在呼吸道引起炎症时，通常有咽喉痛和发热，然后于假膜的阻碍会感到虚脱和呼吸困难，如果不及时能会引起窒息。