Anthrax is a life-threatening infectious disease. The infection normally affects animals, especially ruminants (such as goats, cattle, sheep, and horses).
There are four forms of disease that anthrax causes:
- cutaneous (skin) anthrax,
- inhalation anthrax,
- gastrointestinal (bowel) anthrax, and
- injection anthrax.
Signs and symptoms of anthrax depend on the type and can include a skin sore that is blistering, reddened, and hard. It typically forms a black scar called an eschar. Other associated symptoms and signs (dependent upon the type) can include
- chest pain,
- muscle pain,
- fever,
- malaise,
- respiratory distress,
- shortness of breath,
- coughing,
- bloody diarrhea,
- headache,
- itching,
- nausea,
- sore throat, or
- swollen lymph nodes.
Cause of anthrax
Infection with Bacillus anthracis bacteria causes anthrax. The infection spreads to humans by contact with infected animals or their products. The most common route of infection is through the skin.
Other anthrax symptoms and signs
- Black Scar (Eschar)
- Blistering, Reddened, or Hard Skin Sore
- Bloody Diarrhea
- Chest Pain
- Coughing
- Fever
- Headache
- Itching
- Malaise
- Muscle Pain
- Nausea
- Respiratory Distress
- Shortness of Breath
- Sore Throat
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
Main Article on Anthrax Symptoms and Signs

QUESTION
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See AnswerExamples of Medications for Anthrax Symptoms and Signs
From 
Infectious Disease Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.