Signs and symptoms of Parainfluenza

Parainfluenza symptoms at onset include fever, moderate inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane with profuse nasal discharge, moderate sore throat, and dry cough. Malaise is directly related to the intensity of the fever, which usually does not exceed 101°F (38.3° C). In many cases, a characteristic barking cough (usually occurring at night) and hoarseness are prominent. Acute laryngotracheobronchitis, the most severe form of croup in children, can cause life-threatening respiratory distress and often requires hospitalization.

Shortness of breath and rigors usually accompany pneumonia, and auscultation of the lung fields may reveal moist rales, bronchophony, egophony, or whispered pectoriloquy. Tactile fremitus and tubular breath sounds may indicate acute bronchitis. Exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and asthma symptoms may also occur.