Inhalation anthrax

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Inhalation Anthrax

Inhalation anthrax

Alternative Names:

Anthrax - inhalation
Treatment:

Several antibiotics are effective against anthrax including penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Inhalation anthrax is usually treated withciprofloxacin plus another antibiotic agent.

The length of treatment is currently about 60 days for individuals exposed to anthrax,since it may take spores that long to germinate.

Expectations (prognosis):

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The prognosis of inhalation anthrax once it reaches the second stage is poor, even with antibiotic therapy. Up to 90% of cases in the second stage are fatal.

Complications:

Hemorrhagic meningitis
Mediastinitis
Shock
ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome)

Calling your health care provider:

Notify your health care provider if you have been exposed to anthrax, whether or not you develop symptoms. Your doctor will determine whether you need treatment (if you'vedeveloped symptoms) or preventative antibiotics.

References:

Reissman DB, Whitney EA, Taylor TH Jr, et al. One-Year Health Assessment of Adult Survivors of Bacillus anthracis Infection.JAMA. 2004;291:1994-1998.

Inglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon, 2002. JAMA.160;2002;287:2236-2252.