Definition
What is Anthrax?
Anthrax is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Under normal circumstances, bacteria produce spores that are dormant (dormant) and live in the soil. When a spore enters an animal or human body, it becomes active. These active spores then begin to divide, produce toxins, spread them throughout the body and cause severe disease. The disease can affect the skin, lungs and, in rare cases, the digestive tract. Although anthrax can be life threatening, it can be treated with antibiotics if detected early. Vaccines are also available for people at risk.
How common is anthrax?
Anthrax is very rare. People with anthrax are infected by contact with infected animals, wool, meat, or skin. People at risk of anthrax are farmers, veterinarians, and laboratory workers.
Signs & Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of anthrax?
Symptoms of anthrax depend on the type of infection and can start anywhere from 1 day to more than 2 months to appear. There are 3 types of infection.
Skin anthrax
This type of anthrax attacks the skin. The bacteria usually enter the body through open skin or wounds.
Itchy, painless red-brown bumps appear 1-12 days after exposure. Most lumps appear on the face, neck, arms, or hands. These lumps become elastic, which eventually rupture and form black scabs (eschar), with swelling around them. Nearby lymph nodes may enlarge, and the patient may experience pain, sometimes muscle aches, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Inhaled anthrax
This type of anthrax attacks the lungs. The bacteria can enter the lungs when you breathe in the spores.
The initial symptoms are similar to those of the flu but will get worse quickly.
- Fever and chills
- Sweating (often wet)
- Body pain
- Excess tired
- Headache, dizziness
- Chest discomfort, such as:
- Congested
- Cough
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
If not treated, this type of anthrax is very fatal. If you experience the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Gastrointestinal Anthrax
Gastrointestinal anthrax is rare. This anthrax attacks the digestive system. You can get this anthrax by eating contaminated meat.
Common symptoms are:
- Swollen neck or glands in the neck
- Sore throat
- Swallowing pain
- Hoarseness
- Nausea and vomiting, especially vomiting blood
- Diarrhea or bloody stools
- Stomach pain
- Enlarged belly
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you live or will be visiting a high-risk area for anthrax, or if you have the above signs or symptoms or any other questions, consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Reasons
What causes anthrax?
The cause of anthrax is the active spore of the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Spores can survive in the environment for years and then germinate and divide. Spores only become toxic and spread throughout the body when in contact with animals and humans. Anthrax can enter the body in 3 ways: skin contact, inhalation, and contaminated meat.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for anthrax?
There are many risk factors for anthrax, including:
- People who process animal products
- Veterinarians working with infected animals
- Farmers working with infected animals
- Travelers visiting high-risk areas
- Laboratory workers working with anthrax
- Postmen, military personnel, and volunteers
- Those exposed during biological terror events involving anthrax spores
- Eating raw meat from infected animals
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for anthrax?
All types of anthrax can be prevented and treated with antibiotics. People exposed to anthrax can be given oral antibiotics, usually amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. This antibiotic is continued for 60 days to prevent recurrence.
The longer therapy is delayed, the greater the risk of irreversible effects. Thus, therapy is usually started as soon as possible when anthrax is suspected.
Anthrax vaccines are available, but are not 100% effective. Vaccines are given to members of the military, scientists working with anthrax, and other high-risk groups. This vaccine is not for young children, pregnant women, or the elderly over 65 years. If several doses of anthrax vaccine have been given, no more antibiotics are needed.
What are the usual tests for anthrax?
Anthrax is diagnosed based on your symptoms, physical examination, history of high-risk exposure, and by making sure another disease is not the cause of your symptoms. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor can do an examination of your skin, blood, and stools to look for B bacteria. anthracis. X-ray or computed tomography (CT) of the chest, endoscopy, and spinal injections may be performed. For endoscopy, a thin, elastic tube with a tiny camera on the end is used to examine your throat or intestines.
Home Remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat anthrax?
Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with anthrax:
- Get vaccinated if your job is high risk. Veterinarians, laboratory workers and emergency workers at risk should be vaccinated
- Call your doctor immediately if you detect early symptoms of infection
- Take your antibiotics. Do not stop taking the drug unless advised by the doctor
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.