what is toxic shock syndrome|how soon do toxic shock syndrome symptoms appear|what causes toxic shock syndrome|toxic shock syndrome treatment|toxic shock syndrome from tampons:Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins.It’s often associated with tampon use in young women, but it can affect anyone of any age – including men and children.
TSS gets worse very quickly and can be fatal if not treated promptly. But if it’s diagnosed and treated early, most people make a full recovery.Toxic shock syndrome is a sudden, potentially fatal condition. It’s caused by the release of toxins from an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, which is found in many women’s bodies. Toxic shock syndrome affects menstruating women, especially those who use super-absorbent tampons. The body responds with a sharp drop in blood pressure that deprives organs of oxygen and can lead to death.
what is toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Often toxic shock syndrome results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria.
Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone, including men, children and postmenopausal women. Risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skin wounds, surgery, and the use of tampons and other devices, such as menstrual cups, contraceptive sponges or diaphragms.
What are the symptoms of TSS?
Symptoms of TSS include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle soreness. These symptoms will develop quickly and are severe. Other symptoms may include pain at the site of a wound, vomiting and diarrhea, signs of shock including low blood pressure and light-headedness, shortness of breath and sunburn-like rash.
In general, TSS symptoms can develop as soon as 12 hours after a surgical procedure. Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in women who are menstruating and using tampons.
If you experience the above symptoms after using tampons or after a surgery or skin injury, contact your health care provider immediately.
Causes of toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by either staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria.
These bacteria normally live on the skin and in the nose or mouth without causing harm, but if they get deeper into the body they can release toxins that damage tissue and stop organs working.
These things can increase your risk of getting TSS:
- using tampons – particularly if you leave them in for longer than recommended or you use “super-absorbent” tampons
- using female barrier contraceptives, such as a contraceptive diaphragm or cap
- a problem with your skin, such as a cut, burn, boil, insect bite or a wound after surgery
- childbirth
- using nasal packing to treat a nosebleed
- having a staphylococcal infection or streptococcal infection, such as a throat infection, impetigo or cellulitis
toxic shock syndrome treatment
If you develop toxic shock syndrome, you’ll likely be hospitalized. In the hospital, you’ll:
- Be treated with antibiotics while doctors seek the infection source
- Receive medication to stabilize your blood pressure if it’s low and fluids to treat dehydration
- Receive supportive care to treat other signs and symptoms
The toxins produced by the staph or strep bacteria and accompanying hypotension may result in kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you may need dialysis.
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome
The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) start suddenly and get worse quickly. They include:
- a high temperature
- flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, feeling cold, feeling tired or exhausted, an aching body, a sore throat and a cough
- feeling and being sick
- diarrhoea
- a widespread sunburn-like rash
- lips, tongue and the whites of the eyes turning a bright red
- dizziness or fainting
- difficulty breathing
- confusion
How long does it take to get toxic shock from a tampon?
Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in women who are menstruating and using tampons. If you experience the above symptoms after using tampons or after a surgery or skin injury, contact your health care provider immediately.
Do Tampax tampons cause TSS?
Toxic Shock Syndrome is not caused by tampons.
However, tampons aren’t required for TSS. You can get it while using pads or menstrual cups, or no period protection at all.
What antibiotics treat toxic shock syndrome?
The usually prescribed antibiotics are nafcillin, oxacillin, and first generation cephalosporin. Nafcillin or oxacillin (2 g q4h) is generally recommended. Vancomycin can be used in penicillin-allergic patients. These agents have been known to increase TSST-1 in culture possibly by cell lysis.