Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome TSS and risks of tampon use Treatment for toxic shock syndrome Reducing the risk of toxic shock syndrome Where to get help Things to remember.
Toxic shock syndrome TSS is a rare and potentially life-threatening illness that is thought to be caused by infection with certain types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Women who have their period are menstruating are most likely to get TSS, as it is thought to be associated with tampon use.
The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, but one theory is that the bacteria naturally present in the vagina can over-grow in the presence of a blood-soaked tampon. However, one third of women who get TSS when they have their period are found to have no causative bacteria in their vaginas.
TSS can occasionally develop as a complication after surgery or childbirth. A few cases of the syndrome have been reported in men who were also found to have staphylococcal infections of the skin. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome The symptoms of TSS include: fever vomiting diarrhoea a skin rash that looks like sunburn peeling patches of skin on the feet and hands muscular aches headaches a sore throat red eyes confusion a drop in blood pressure joint pains sensitivity to light kidney failure collapse.
TSS and risks of tampon use It is the toxin made by the bacteria that causes TSS, rather than the actual presence of the bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is a common type of bacterium that lives on the skin and inside the nose. In most cases it is harmless, but it can cause a wide range of infections if it enters the bloodstream.
For TSS to occur, these particular types of bacteria must first over-grow and make large amounts of the TSS toxin, which then enters the bloodstream. Tampons can increase the risk of TSS in two ways, including: Tampons especially super-absorbent varieties that are left in the vagina for a long time may encourage the bacteria to grow. Tampons can stick to the vaginal walls, especially when blood flow is light, causing tiny abrasions when they are removed.
Treatment for toxic shock syndrome If you think you could have toxic shock syndrome, stop using tampons immediately and go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
Treatment for TSS includes: a stay in hospital medication antibiotics to kill the infection fluids given through a drip intravenously to increase blood pressure and treat dehydration medical treatment for any complications, such as kidney failure. Reducing the risk of toxic shock syndrome Given the number of women worldwide who regularly use tampons, TSS is a very rare condition.
Suggestions to reduce the risk include: Change tampons regularly at least every four hours. Avoid using super-absorbent tampons. Only unwrap the tampon if you are going to use it immediately.
Escoto, DO. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome? What Causes Toxic Shock Syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome is caused by two types of bacteria : Staphylococcus aureus often called staph Streptococcus pyogenes often called strep Most cases are related to staph bacteria.
Who Gets Toxic Shock Syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome also can affect someone with any type of staph infection, including: pneumonia an abscess a skin infection an infected wound the blood infection septicemia the bone infection osteomyelitis What Problems Can Happen? If toxic shock syndrome isn't treated: Organs such as the liver and kidneys may begin to fail.
Problems such as seizures, bleeding, and heart failure can happen. Other blood tests can help doctors: see how organs like the kidneys are working check for other diseases that might be causing the symptoms How Is Toxic Shock Syndrome Treated? Besides giving antibiotics and IV fluids, as needed doctors will: remove tampons, contraceptive devices, or wound packing clean wounds drain a pocket of infection an abscess People with TSS usually need to stay in the hospital, often in the intensive care unit ICU , for several days.
During their periods, girls can reduce their risk of TSS by: washing their hands well before and after inserting a tampon not using tampons or alternating them with sanitary napkins if using tampons, choose ones with the lowest absorbency that will handle menstrual flow, and change the tampons often on low-flow days, using pads instead of tampons Between menstrual periods, store tampons away from heat and moisture, where bacteria can grow for example, in a bedroom rather than in a bathroom closet.
Any female who has had TSS should not use tampons. 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. Call your doctor immediately if you have signs or symptoms of toxic shock syndrome. This is especially important if you've recently used tampons or if you have a skin or wound infection. Most commonly, Staphylococcus aureus staph bacteria cause toxic shock syndrome.
The syndrome can also be caused by group A streptococcus strep bacteria. Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone. About half the cases of toxic shock syndrome associated with staphylococci bacteria occur in women of menstruating age; the rest occur in older women, men and children.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occurs in people of all ages. Manufacturers of tampons sold in the United States no longer use the materials or designs that were associated with toxic shock syndrome.
Also, the U. Food and Drug Administration requires manufacturers to use standard measurement and labeling for absorbency and to print guidelines on the boxes. If you use tampons, read the labels and use the lowest absorbency tampon you can.
Change tampons frequently, at least every four to eight hours. Alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins, and use minipads when your flow is light.
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