Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious disease caused by a bacterial infection. The most common culprit is the toxins by the Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) bacterium. A similar condition is caused by the Streptococcal (Strep) genus, called the Toxic Shock-Like Syndrome. However, not all infections caused by staph and strep lead to toxic shock syndrome or toxic shock-like syndrome, respectively.
Toxic shock syndrome is most commonly associated with women who are menstruating, particularly those who use tampons, although cases have also been reported for postmenopausal women, men and children.
Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency and may lead to complications, even death, if not treated immediately.
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Risk factors
The mechanism by which the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium leads to toxic shock syndrome is still unknown. However, the following are associated with increased likelihood of developing the disease:
- Women, especially those of menstruating ages
- Regular use of tampon, especially after using it for a prolonged period (this is particular for produces that are designed for super absorbent use)
- Use of contraceptive sponges
- Recent childbirth
- Recent surgery, especially if there is a wound infection post surgery
- Skin infections, especially burns
- Presence of foreign objects inside the body
Symptoms
The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome usually appear suddenly. This disease is life-threatening, thus it requires early detection of the symptoms:
- Abrupt, high grade fever that can be accompanied by chills
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Malaise
- Redness of eye, mouth and throat
- Systemic (body-wide) rashes that appear as sunburns followed by skin peeling after one to two weeks after the rashes initially appear.
- Seizures
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Multiple organ failure, especially of the liver and kidneys
- This can eventually lead to shock and death
Treatment of toxic shock syndrome
Fifty percent of those who suffer from toxic shock syndrome end in deaths, while the other half develops increased chances of acquiring the disease again. The earlier the doctor detects toxic shock syndrome, the better the chances of recovery. The primary goal of treatment for toxic shock syndrome is to keep the body functioning properly, which can be done in the hospital by:
- Antibiotics, either orally or through intravenous fluids
- IV fluids for other essential nutrients needed by the body
- Medications that affect blood pressure
- In cases of severe kidney problems, dialysis
Some cases may require the intensive care treatment.
Prevention
You can completely prevent toxic shock syndrome, but there are some precautions that an individual can do to lower the chances of developing this disease. These include:
- Avoid using high absorbent tampons. Try to use tampons infrequently and opt to use pads instead.
- If one chooses tampons, change at least every four to eight hours, or as needed.
- Opt to use oral contraceptive pills or injectables, rather than contraceptive sponges.
- Treat wounds, burns and other injuries immediately as to avoid infections and other complications from developing.
To learn how to avoid sepsis, and ultimately toxic shock syndrome, enroll in First Aid Courses.
Toxic shock syndrome is an uncommon but serious disease caused by a bacterial infection, commonly by Staphylococcus aureus. Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic_shock_syndrome
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355384
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-toxic-shock-syndrome-basics#1