Symptoms
In the more mild form of bronchitis the symptoms develop rather gradually and the first noticed may be a coryza or nasal catarrh. As the bronchi become involved there will be a slight rise in the temperature, noticeably increased respiration, and a slight cough. There may be restlessness, anorexia and vomiting, usually caused by swallowing the mucous that is coughed up.
Rales are heard over the entire chest. These appear very early and may remain for some little time after all other symptoms have disappeared. It is very common to hear coarse rales with a very slight cold in the young infant.
If the condition is permitted to go for some little time without adjustments the symptoms become more severe. The cough becomes more serious, there is dyspnea, increased fever and a moderate degree of prostration which increases as time goes on. During inspiration the nostrils will be noticeably dilated. In most cases there is great difficulty in nursing. In the later stages there is usually great prostration. The cry becomes feeble and the cough weak, there is rapid superficial respiration and feeble pulse. The facial expression is dull and there may be stupor and apathy. The attacks may come on very suddenly and terminate fatally in a very short time. Therefore it is necessary for action from the adjustments to be obtained as quickly as possible.