Inhalation anthrax

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Bacteria

Inhalation anthrax

Respiratory system

Anthrax - inhalation

• Initial stage -- fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, malaise, headache, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain
• Second stage -- fever, severe shortness of breath, and shock

This list of symptoms is based on a relatively small number of people who have had inhalation anthrax. Additional symptoms may be present. Some of the symptoms listed may be absent.

• If inhalation anthrax is suspected, a chest X-ray, blood cultures, and sputum cultures may be obtained. Initial chest X-rays are likely to show abnormalities such as fluid surrounding the lungs or abnormally wide space between the lungs.
• Samples may need to be sent to a special lab for more definitive testing, including PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry.
• A spinal tap for CSF culture and a gram stain also may be performed.

Review Date: 06/17/2005
Reviewed By: Rocio Hurtado, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.