What Is Inhalation Anthrax?
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by the bacterium
Bacillus anthracis. Inhalation anthrax is an uncommon type of anthrax caused by breathing in the anthrax bacteria or spores. Inhalation anthrax is also known as:
- Pulmonary anthrax
- Pneumonic anthrax
- Respiratory anthrax.
Inhalation Anthrax Infection
When the Bacillus anthracis bacteria or spores are inhaled, they germinate and the bacterial cells infect the lungs. The cells then spread to the lymph nodes in the chest. As the anthrax bacteria grow, they produce two kinds of deadly toxins.
One of these toxins (known as edema factor) can contribute to a fatal build-up of fluid in the cavity surrounding the lungs. It also can inhibit some of the body's immune functions. Another toxin (known as lethal factor) disrupts a key molecular switch that regulates the cell's functions. Lethal factor can kill infected cells or prevent them from working properly.
Inhalation
anthrax symptoms usually appear 1 to 7 days after exposure, but they may first appear more than a month later.
Common early symptoms of inhalation anthrax are often similar to those seen with
the flu and may include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Aches
- Fatigue.
Inhalation anthrax symptoms can progress to:
- Labored breathing
- Shock
- Death.
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