Living with Inhalational anthrax
A rare serious infection from breathing in Bacillus anthracis spores, starting with flu-like symptoms.
Understanding Inhalational anthrax
Spores can come from infected animal products or from bioterrorism. First, people have nonspecific symptoms such as fever, cough, chills, and tiredness. Then comes an acute phase with bleeding and swelling in the chest area (hemorrhagic mediastinitis). It can progress to meningitis, stomach and intestine involvement, and shock.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chills
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Breathing difficulty
- Confusion
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by breathing in spores of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, such as from infected animal products or bioterrorism.
Also known as: anthrax pneumonia; inhalation anthrax disease; pneumonia with anthrax; pulmonary anthrax; respiratory anthrax; respiratory anthrax disease
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Inhalational anthrax.
Explore research for Inhalational anthrax
Explore actively recruiting Inhalational anthrax studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Inhalational anthrax with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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