[6] The most characteristic sign of airsacculitis is an inflamed mucous membrane of bird air sacs,[9] which swells and becomes red,[8] with infected birds exhibiting different symptoms, such as coughing, lethargy, swelling of the neck, difficult breathing, appetite and weight loss etc.

[11] Infected birds usually appear sick; lower part of their neck can swell and animals experience difficulties breathing.

[9] They may cough, lose their appetite and subsequently their weight, often exhibit nasal discharge, apparent clogged nares, ruffled feathers, have watery eyes and appear lethargic.

[6][12] Affected adult females (hens) lay fewer eggs, while juveniles exhibit stunted growth.

In some cases this disease can be latent, meaning bacteria remain dormant in survivors and potentially attack non-infected birds after a while.

[11] After a close inspection (e.g. an air sac biopsy) veterinarians usually prescribe antibiotics for the exact infectious agent.

[11] To prevent the disease poultry should be kept in dry and warm (not chilled or over-heated) conditions, with appropriate sanitation, source of clean water and an access to enough fresh air (ventilation).

Under the microscope one can detect hyperplasia or hypertrophy of epithelium, cell necrosis, fibrosis, cellular infiltrates, as well as an occurrence of bacterial colonies.

Among typical symptoms of the disease are halitosis (bad breath), coughing, rhinorrhea (nasal discharge), depression, anorexia and weight loss.

[20] Researchers proposed the absence of laryngeal air sacs in humans is a result of people's ability to adjust their speech breathing patterns and consequently lower probability of hyperventilation.