How To Spot Diphtheria

Difficulty Breathing

Patients dealing with diphtheria will likely have difficulty breathing until their condition passes. When suffering from this infection, a sheet of gray material will cover the back of the throat. This material is also thick, which is what causes an individual to have issues with breathing. Once this substance develops at the back of the throat, a portion of the patient's airway will be effectively blocked, which may cause them to struggle with their breathing. This membrane typically forms around twelve to twenty-four hours after the initial symptoms have taken root. If this material reaches all the way to the larynx, it's possible patients will experience a harsher cough that comes with a barking sound. There are times when this membrane travels down towards the lungs, which can exacerbate breathing issues.