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Toxic shock syndrome

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome -

Toxic shock syndrome is an acute and severe multisystem disease characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, hypotension, vomiting, diarrhea, erythematous skin rashes that desquamate upon recovery, and multiorgan involvement.

Toxic shock syndrome is rare and often a life-threatening illness that develops suddenly after infection and can immediately affect multiple organ systems, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Because toxic shock syndrome progresses rapidly, immediate medical treatment is necessary.

What triggers / Causes of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Toxic shock syndrome is rarely the result of bacterial infection Streptococcus pyogenes(group A streptococcus) or Staphylococcus aureus(staphylococcus). These bacteria produce toxins that cause toxic shock syndrome. These bacteria are common but usually do not cause problems. They can cause easily treatable throat or skin infections, such as a sore throat or impetigo. In rare cases, toxins enter the bloodstream and cause a strong immune response in people whose bodies do not fight the toxins. The body's response causes symptoms associated with toxic shock syndrome.

Often appears after childbirth, flu, chicken pox, surgery, small cuts to the skin, wounds or bruises that cause bruising but do not break the integrity of the skin.

Often appears after prolonged use of tampons (menstrual toxic shock syndrome) or after a surgical procedure such as nasal surgery using a dressing (nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome).

Pathogenesis (what happens?) during Toxic Shock Syndrome:

The immune reaction leading to toxic shock syndrome is usually due to a lack of specific antibodies against streptococcal or staphylococcal toxins. Young people may not have such antibodies.

Outbreaks of toxic shock syndrome disease can occur in hospitals and long-term care facilities where people live in close proximity to each other.

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Rapid development of symptoms is one of the most important symptoms that may require immediate treatment for toxic shock syndrome.

Symptoms of toxic shock vary in severity depending on the type of streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop quickly and can cause death within 2 days.

The first signs of toxic shock syndrome usually include:
- Severe flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and pain, stomach cramps, headache or sore throat.
- Sudden rise in temperature above 38.9 C.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Signs of shock, including low blood pressure and rapid heart rate, often with dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, or dysphoria and confusion.
- Redness similar to sunburn. Redness may appear in several parts of the body or in specific areas, such as the armpits or groin.
- Severe pain at the site of infection (if there is a wound or damage to the skin).
- Redness of the nasal passages and mouth.

Other symptoms of toxic shock syndrome may include:
- Conjunctivitis (redness).
- Involvement of more than one organ system, usually the lungs or kidneys.
- Blood poisoning (sepsis), which affects the entire body.
- Death of skin tissue (necrosis), which appears at the beginning of the syndrome.
- Peeling of skin tissue that appears during recovery.

Streptococcal nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome.
Symptoms usually develop:
- In women who have recently given birth, 2-3 days or several weeks after birth.
- In people with infected surgical wounds, 2 days - 1 week after surgery.
- In people with respiratory diseases, 2-6 weeks after the onset of respiratory symptoms.

Staphylococcal menstrual toxic shock syndrome. Symptoms usually develop 3-5 days after the start of menstruation when a woman uses tampons.

Staphylococcal nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome. Symptoms usually develop within 12 hours of surgery that uses surgical dressings, such as rhinoplasty.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome can suddenly affect several different organ systems, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Redness similar to a sunburn may also appear early in the disease. Redness usually appears after 7-14 days on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Toxic shock syndrome occurs less frequently in children compared to adults.

Dangerous complications of toxic shock syndrome include:
- Shock, causing a reduction in blood circulation and oxygen in vital organs.
- Acute respiratory failure syndrome. Lung function decreases, it becomes difficult to breathe, and oxygen levels in the blood drop.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. This disease is caused by a blood clotting factor. Many blood clots can form throughout the body. This may cause excessive bleeding.
- Kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease. - Kidney failure occurs when kidney damage is so severe that treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary to prevent death.

Talk to your doctor about possible complications if you have had multiple periods of toxic shock syndrome.

Diagnosis of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Because toxic shock syndrome progresses rapidly, it is usually diagnosed and treated based on symptoms and signs of infection without waiting for laboratory test results. Additional blood and tissue testing can help determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.

Typically, by the time a person with toxic shock syndrome sees a doctor, the disease progresses rapidly and the person feels very unwell. Shock usually needs to be treated before any test results are available.

If your healthcare provider suspects you have toxic shock syndrome, you will undergo several types of tests, including:
- Complete clinical blood test- counting red and white blood cells, platelets and other basic indicators of your blood.
- Cultures of blood and other fluids and tissues body for signs of streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. For menstrual toxic shock syndrome, a sample of vaginal fluid is tested. For nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome, a swab or tissue sample is taken from a suspected lesion or other injured area of the body. Blood culture usually does not detect staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome when it is present, but streptococcus can be detected in a blood or cerebrospinal fluid sample or by tissue biopsy. Cultures from the throat, vagina, or saliva may also reveal bacteria.
- Fluorography to look for signs of lung damage (respiratory distress syndrome).
- Tests to detect other infections which can cause symptoms similar to those of toxic shock syndrome, such as blood poisoning (sepsis), a tick-borne bacterial infection (American tick-borne rickettsiosis), a bacterial infection caused by contact with the urine of an infected animal (leptospirosis), or typhoid fever.

Sometimes other tests are needed, depending on how the disease has progressed and what problems it has caused.

Treatment of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Emergency treatment often requires intravenous plasma volume resuscitation and intensive care in the hospital, especially when the body is in shock. Further treatment includes antibiotics to kill the bacteria, removal of any source of infection, and treatment of any complications. Unless there are other complications, most people recover within 2 weeks when treated with antibiotics.

If you think you have toxic shock syndrome, call your doctor right away. If you have symptoms of shock such as severe weakness, dizziness or loss of consciousness, call an ambulance immediately. Because toxic shock syndrome can cause life-threatening complications, you may need to be treated in a hospital where your condition can be closely monitored.

By the time a person with toxic shock syndrome sees a doctor, emergency treatment is usually required. Because toxic shock syndrome can progress very quickly and be life-threatening, treatment is almost always done in a hospital where the patient is closely monitored. Treatment for shock or organ failure is usually necessary before the results of any tests are known. Admission to intensive care is usually necessary when a patient shows signs of shock or trouble breathing (respiratory failure).

Treatment for streptococcal or staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome includes:
- Removing the source of infection. If a woman uses tampons, a diaphragm or a contraceptive sponge, they should be removed immediately. Infected wounds are usually cleared of bacteria. Your doctor may give you an injection to numb the area so that you can use a scalpel or scissors to remove dead or severely infected tissue. This is called debridement. Once the source of infection is removed, the patient's condition often improves quickly.
- Treatment of complications of the disease, including low blood pressure, shock and organ failure. The specifics of treatment depend on what problem arose. The administration of large amounts of intravenous fluid is usually used to replace fluid losses from vomiting, diarrhea and fever in order to avoid complications such as low blood pressure and shock.
- Antibiotics to kill bacteria that produce toxins that cause toxic shock syndrome. Clindamycin stops the production of toxins and immediately treats symptoms. Other medications, such as cloxacillin or cefazolin, may be added when laboratory tests have detected specific streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus strains may be resistant to drugs such as cloxacillin and cefazolin, which are widely used around the world. These staphylococcal strains are called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Other antibiotics may be needed to kill these bacteria. These antibiotics include vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, or tigecycline.

With timely treatment and the absence of serious complications, most patients recover within 1-2 weeks.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome has a mortality rate of about 50%. This may be because streptococcal toxic shock syndrome can be difficult to identify until serious complications such as blood poisoning (sepsis) or a rare bacterial infection that destroys the skin (necrotizing fasciitis) occur.

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome is serious, but leads to death in only 5% of people who are not diagnosed and treated correctly.

Toxic shock syndrome is a rapidly progressive, life-threatening illness that cannot be treated at home. If you think you may have toxic shock syndrome, seek medical help immediately.

Antibiotics are used to treat toxic shock syndrome. The sooner therapy begins, the fewer possible complications may occur. Antibiotics are used for as long as needed, depending on the streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria and the severity of the symptoms.

Antibiotics may also help prevent recurrent episodes of toxic shock syndrome.

Intravenous immunoglobulin administration may be used when toxic shock syndrome is severe or the patient's condition does not improve after taking antibiotics. IV immune globulin works differently than antibiotics. It contains antibodies that can help the body remove specific toxins that cause toxic shock syndrome. But experts have not determined whether intravenous immunoglobulin is effective in treating toxic shock syndrome.

Your doctor can give you blood pressure medications to help your organs function better.

For toxic shock syndrome caused by staph bacteria, surgery is rarely required but is part of the necessary treatment. In some cases, surgical removal of infected tissue leads to significant improvement in the patient's condition. For example, surgery may be necessary when:
- Toxic shock syndrome has developed after surgery and the surgical suture must be drained and cleaned to remove the source of infection.
- Streprococcal bacteria cause necrotizing fasciitis, a bacterial infection that destroys the skin, and the dead tissue and toxins produced by the bacteria must be removed.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with necrotizing fasciitis progresses rapidly and is life-threatening, requiring emergency surgery to remove the source of infection.

In the hospital, you may need intravenous fluids and simple protein to replace what your body has lost.

Prevention of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

You can take the following steps to prevent toxic shock syndrome:
- Do not use tampons or barrier contraceptives during the first 12 weeks after birth, when the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome is high.
- Follow the instructions on the package when inserting tampons, diaphragms or contraceptive sponges. Change your tampons at least every 8 hours, or only use tampons a few hours a day. Do not leave the diaphragm or contraceptive sponge in for more than 12-18 hours.
- Keep all skin wounds clean to prevent infection and promote healing. This includes cuts, punctures, scrapes, burns, insect or animal bites, and surgical stitches.
- Do not allow children to scratch chickenpox sores.
- If you have already had menstrual toxic shock syndrome, do not use tampons, barrier contraceptives such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, or intrauterine device (IUD).

Careful use of tampons, diaphragm and contraceptive sponge
- Follow package directions when inserting tampons, diaphragms, and contraceptive sponges.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing tampons, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges.
- Change tampons at least every 8 hours or use tampons only a few hours a day. Do not leave the diaphragm and contraceptive sponge inside for more than 12-18 hours.
- As an alternative to tampons, use pads. For example, use pads at night and tampons during the day.
- Use tampons with a lower absorbency rate than you need. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is highest when using superabsorbent tampons.

Caring for skin wounds to prevent skin infections
- Keep all skin wounds clean to prevent infection and promote healing. Skin damage, including cuts, burns, bruises, insect and animal bites, chickenpox sores, and surgical stitches.
- Make sure children do not scratch chickenpox sores.

Preventing streptococcal infections during pregnancy or after childbirth

Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth have an increased risk of developing streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, especially if one of her children has strep throat. Any pregnant or postpartum woman with a baby who is showing signs of a sore throat should talk to her gynecologist or obstetrician.

Which doctors should you contact if you have Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Is something bothering you? Do you want to know more detailed information about Toxic Shock Syndrome, its causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention, the course of the disease and diet after it? Or do you need an inspection? You can make an appointment with a doctor– clinic Eurolab always at your service! The best doctors will examine you, study external signs and help you identify the disease by symptoms, advise you and provide the necessary assistance and make a diagnosis. you also can call a doctor at home. Clinic Eurolab open for you around the clock.

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You? It is necessary to take a very careful approach to your overall health. People don't pay enough attention symptoms of diseases and do not realize that these diseases can be life-threatening. There are many diseases that at first do not manifest themselves in our body, but in the end it turns out that, unfortunately, it is too late to treat them. Each disease has its own specific signs, characteristic external manifestations - the so-called symptoms of the disease. Identifying symptoms is the first step in diagnosing diseases in general. To do this, you just need to do it several times a year. be examined by a doctor, in order not only to prevent a terrible disease, but also to maintain a healthy spirit in the body and the organism as a whole.

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Toxic shock syndrome is a severe multisystem human condition, the distinctive feature of which is suddenness. With this pathological process, sudden attacks of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever are observed.

Toxic shock syndrome from tampons is a fairly rare phenomenon, but it does occur in medical practice. The disease is life-threatening in nature; sudden signs of the pathological condition can affect various organs and systems of the body, including the kidneys, liver and lungs. Therefore, in this situation, you should be vigilant and immediately begin drug treatment.

Not everyone knows what toxic shock is. This is a life-threatening condition that occurs under the influence of living organisms and biologically active substances (bacteria, viruses).

It causes a number of pathological changes in the body, affecting all vital functions (breathing, blood coagulation, blood circulation, nervous system). Develops against the background of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

Table No. 1. Bacterial and viral infections that are a provoking factor for the development of toxic shock:

Type of microorganism	Representatives
	anthrax; dysentery; plague; meningococcal infection; typhoid fever.
	hemorrhagic fever; flu.

Important. In people over 60 years of age and in children, a state of shock may appear as a result of complications of chronic inflammatory processes caused by Aerobacter, Klebsiella, Bacteroides, Proteus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Tampons as a cause of the development of a pathological condition

As we have already explained, toxic shock is a shock condition provoked by the destructive effects of fungi, viruses and bacteria. In women, this condition is caused by a strain of staphylococcus.

Note that all mucous membranes contain small amounts of staphylococcus, so when using tampons during the menstrual cycle, a malfunction may occur and the bacteria will begin to actively produce toxins (see).

And blood and oxygen are the components that are vital for staphylococcal bacteria. Toxic shock from tampons also threatens our body.

Provoking factors

Shock syndrome is mainly the result of the negative effects of bacteria:

streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci);
staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus).

These bacteria are the most common and often cause infection of the upper respiratory tract and skin. The treatment takes place without complications; in rare cases, they enter the circulatory system and cause a characteristic reaction of immune cells in the blood. This reaction causes symptoms of toxic shock.

Table No. 2. Causes of damage by streptococci and staphylococci:

Genus of bacteria	Reason for defeat
	In frequent cases, it appears after childbirth, chickenpox, flu, surgical interventions, and with cuts.
	Causes shock syndrome, divided into types: menstrual syndrome (with prolonged use of tampons); nonmenstrual syndrome (after operations, using dressings).

The main risk factors include:

use of tampons;
presence of wounds and burns;
sepsis occurring after childbirth;
infection during surgery;
closed wounds (for example, in the ears or nose);
intravenous drug use;
HIV or AIDS infections;
sinusitis;
tracheitis;
allergic contact dermatitis.

Interesting fact. Cases of toxic shock from the use of tampons appeared in the early 80s. Scientists conducted a series of observations and came to the conclusion that it was tampons that caused the development of shock and in 16% of cases led to death. Despite the fact that a direct relationship between the use of tampons and the pathological condition has not been established, the instructions for the hygiene product from all tampon manufacturers indicate the likelihood of TSS.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of toxic shock is characterized by the entry into the bloodstream of a large number of toxins released by bacteria as a result of their vital activity. This circumstance is characterized by a sharp release of cytotoxins, adrenaline and other biologically active substances, which contribute to the appearance of spasm of post-capillary arterioles and venules.

In this case, the blood no longer fulfills its intended purpose, and as a result, tissue hypoxia develops, contributing to the development of metabolic acidosis. This condition causes the symptoms of TSS.

Classification of shock conditions

In medical practice, there are several types of shock.

Table No. 3. Classification of shock states:

Name of the shock state	Description
Toxic-septic shock	Occurs due to the effects of toxins on the cardiovascular system, brain, liver, kidneys, and lungs. In this case, an anaphylactic type reaction appears. This condition is characterized by two phases: Hyperdynamic. Hypodynamic. As a result of toxic-septic shock, dysfunction of vital organs occurs, which requires immediate emergency care and intensive care.
Endotoxic shock	The risk group includes urological patients over 60 years of age with concomitant diseases, such as: diabetes; chronic pulmonary failure; chronic heart failure; latent hepatopathy. This condition is a severe complication of the inflammatory process. Mortality accounts for 70% of all cases. Provocateurs are gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Endotoxic (bacteremic) shock is a consequence of exacerbation of urosepsis.
Exotoxic shock	Occurs against the background of acute heart failure, accompanied by some severe forms of intoxication of the toxicogenic phase. Symptoms develop as a result of acute chemical influence and are characterized by disruption of metabolic function, nervous regulation and dysfunction of almost all vital organs. The causes of exotoxic shock include: intoxications resulting from the use of wound cauterizing agents; poisoning with chlorinated carbohydrates; intoxications caused by taking psychotropic drugs and organophosphate insecticides.
Bacterial toxic shock	This condition is caused by an acute reaction of the body to the sudden penetration of bacteria and toxic products into the blood. In gynecology, bacteriotoxic shock occurs after abortion and after thrombophlebitis of the hip veins. Currently, cases of shock development have been recorded after the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, or the administration of large doses of penicillin. Shock can also be caused by intravenous administration of non-sterile solutions, blood and blood substitutes.

Symptoms

Toxic shock causes a sharp onset of characteristic symptoms that are characterized by suddenness. Signs of shock depend on the severity of the pathological condition and the cause contributing to the onset of shock.

Shock phases

In medical practice, toxic shock is divided into three phases:

Compensated.
Subcompensated.
Decompensated.

Table No. 4. Phases of toxic shock:

Toxic shock phase	Description of symptoms
Compensated shock	The patient has clarity of consciousness, but at the same time there is motor restlessness, an inexplicable feeling of anxiety, rapid breathing, increased heart rate (up to 120 beats per minute).
Subcompensated shock	Patients become lethargic, depressed, and apathetic. The skin is pale and the extremities are cold. A decrease in body temperature to subnormal prevails. Shortness of breath, tachycardia (up to 160 beats per minute), and low blood pressure appear. Anuria, a blood clotting disorder, may develop. Gastrointestinal bleeding is possible.
Decompensated shock	This phase is considered the most difficult. The patient is in complete prostration, cramps in the limbs, shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure, threadlike pulse, anuria. In some cases, patients fall into a comatose state.

Signs of toxic shock

The nature of the manifestation of symptoms depends on the cause of shock and the severity of the pathological condition. Often, a state of shock leads to death within 2 days after blood intoxication.

Signs of streptococcal nonmenstrual syndrome develop:

in women after childbirth, a few days later;
in persons with infected postoperative wounds;
in people with respiratory infections.

Signs of staphylococcal menstrual syndrome develop in women as a result of using tampons during the menstrual cycle. Symptoms appear after 3 days.

Symptoms of staphylococcal nonmenstrual syndrome occur within 12 hours after surgery where surgical dressings were used, such as nasal surgery.

Table No. 5. Symptoms of toxic shock:

Attention. The symptoms of toxic shock are very similar to those of a severe case of the flu. Therefore, it is very important to understand that if symptoms begin to progress, you should immediately contact a medical facility. Only a doctor can recognize the signs of toxic shock and provide qualified assistance to the patient.

Complications

Toxic shock can lead to the most serious complications. This:

acute pulmonary failure;
necrosis of tissues of internal organs;
multiple vein thrombosis;
renal failure, up to complete kidney failure.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Due to the fact that shock syndrome develops very rapidly, treatment is carried out in accordance with the existing symptoms, without waiting for test results. First of all, a powder is prescribed to remove toxins from the body. After laboratory diagnosis, complex drug treatment is prescribed.

Diagnostics

If toxic shock is suspected, several types of diagnostics are prescribed.

Table No. 6. Types of diagnostics:

Type of examination	Description
Complete clinical blood test	It is carried out to determine the number of red and white blood cells, platelets, leukocytes, and erythrocytes.
Culture of blood, organ tissues, mucous membranes	It is carried out in order to recognize the type of bacteria that contributed to the development of the shock state. During a woman's menstrual cycle, a culture of vaginal fluid is taken.
Fluorography	Determines signs of lung damage and identifies possible pulmonary insufficiency syndrome.
Laboratory tests to determine other infections	They are carried out to identify possible infections that contribute to the development of shock. For example: blood sepsis; American tick-borne rickettsiosis (transmitted by ticks); typhoid fever.

Depending on the nature of the shock state and accompanying symptoms, additional laboratory tests may be prescribed.

Treatment

First of all, exposure to the toxin should be excluded (see). If the cause of TSS is a tampon, it must be removed immediately; if it is contraceptives, then be sure to notify the doctor about this so that removal can be carried out under medical conditions.

The treatment regimen consists of several stages:

The site of infection is thoroughly cleaned with disinfectants, or this procedure is carried out using mild surgery.
From the first days of visiting a doctor, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed to destroy pathogenic bacteria. The period of taking antibiotics is at least 10 days.
Intravenous infusion of immunoglobulin. Prescribed to restore the body's immune function.
Powder is prescribed for intoxication. The product helps to quickly remove pathogenic toxins from the blood.

With timely treatment, the patient's condition improves within 3 days.

Attention. If a woman has experienced TSS from tampons once, then the next time during her menstrual cycle she should stop wearing them and use pads. After all, taking risks in this case is quite dangerous. We must not forget what the price of your life depends on.

Many ladies use tampons; this hygiene product allows them to feel comfortable and convenient during a special period of their life. You should not immediately succumb to general panic and believe that a terrible intoxication shock awaits you.

Simple hygiene rules on critical days reduce this risk millions of times. The video presented in this article will allow our readers to become more familiar with the clinical picture of toxic shock syndrome from tampons.

Description:

The syndrome (TSS) is rare and often life-threatening, developing suddenly after infection and can immediately affect multiple organ systems, including the lungs, kidneys and liver.
Because toxic shock syndrome progresses rapidly, immediate medical treatment is necessary.

Causes of toxic shock syndrome:

Toxic shock syndrome is rarely the result of infection with the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) or Staphylococcus aureus (staph). These bacteria produce toxins that cause TSS. These bacteria are common but usually do not cause problems. They can cause easily treated throat or skin infections, such as a sore throat or. In rare cases, toxins enter the bloodstream and cause a strong immune response in people whose bodies do not fight the toxins. The body's response causes the symptoms associated with TSS.
Streptococcal TSS often appears after childbirth, chickenpox, surgery, small skin wounds or wounds that cause but do not break the integrity of the skin.
Staphylococcal TSS often occurs after prolonged use of tampons (menstrual TSS) or after a surgical procedure such as nasal surgery using a dressing (nonmenstrual TSS).

Diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome:

Symptoms of TSS develop quickly and can cause death within 2 days. The first signs of TSS usually include:
Severe flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and pain, stomach cramps, or.
A sudden increase in temperature above 38.9 C. and.
Signs of shock include low blood pressure and rapid heart rate, often with dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, or dysphoria and confusion.
Redness similar to sunburn. Redness may appear in several parts of the body or in specific areas, such as the armpits or groin.
Severe pain at the site of infection (if there is a wound or damage to the skin).
Redness of the nasal passages and mouth.

Other symptoms of TSS may include:
Conjunctivitis (redness).
Involvement of more than one organ system, usually the lungs or kidneys.
Blood poisoning (sepsis), which affects the entire body.
Death of skin tissue (necrosis), which appears at the beginning of the syndrome.
Peeling of skin tissue that appears during recovery.

Symptoms of toxic shock vary in severity depending on the action of streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria.

Treatment of toxic shock syndrome:

For treatment the following is prescribed:

If you think you have toxic shock syndrome, call your doctor right away. If you have symptoms of shock such as severe weakness or loss of consciousness, call an ambulance immediately. Because TSS can cause life-threatening complications, you may need to be treated in a hospital where your condition can be closely monitored.

Toxic shock syndrome during menstruation was documented back in the 1980s, but is now largely forgotten. Women are sounding the alarm: deaths have increased again.

Some researchers believe that toxic shock syndrome from tampon use is at its peak. Despite warnings from manufacturers, many girls do not pay attention to the labels on the packages and violate the rules for using tampons. But trouble comes not only from ignorance. Some girls are so intimidated by their peers and certain ladies from anonymous women's forums that they are convinced that tampons cannot be used, since they only cause harm and can even lead to death.

Both are two extremes that should be avoided.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) from tampons. What is this?

You might have heard this in the context of the latest horror stories about tampons. Toxic shock syndrome (or infectious-toxic shock) is a shock condition caused by certain bacteria in the body. In the female body, TSS is caused by a strain of staphylococcus. This almost always occurs during menstruation. You probably know that staphylococcus is found in all the mucous membranes of our body in small quantities. If there is a failure, bacteria begin to release toxins that are dangerous to human health. Blood and oxygen are what Staphylococcus aureus needs to reproduce. The main risk factor is the use of tampons.

Outbreaks of toxic shock syndrome cases in menstruating women occurred in the early 1980s. Doctors found that most girls with this diagnosis used tampons. Yes, TSS is a serious illness that can be fatal. The mortality rate is approximately 8-16%. The fact is that the medical community has not yet proven a direct link between toxic shock syndrome and tampons, despite forty years of observation. However, all tampon manufacturers always indicate the likelihood of TSS on their packaging.

Main symptoms of TSS:

Increased body temperature (can rise to forty degrees);
Low blood pressure;
Muscle spasms, possible convulsions;
Hallucinations, foggy consciousness;
Chills;
Nausea and vomiting;
Red spots on the palms and soles of the heels.

You might think these symptoms are similar to having the flu. Remember the main thing: in any case, you must immediately consult a doctor! A patient with symptoms of toxic shock syndrome should be hospitalized immediately because the syndrome progresses very quickly.

I experienced toxic shock syndrome. What should I do?

If you have TSS, your body most likely does not produce enough of the necessary antibodies. If you feel the above symptoms, first of all, remove the tampon. If you use contraceptives that you cannot remove on your own, be sure to warn your doctors about this. As already said, call a doctor, as you need to be hospitalized.

The infected area is cleaned either by vaginal lavage or minor surgery. This depends on the severity of the disease. As a rule, after this initial procedure, patients feel significantly better.
The doctor immediately prescribes antibiotics to kill the toxic bacteria. It is important to note that antibiotics must be taken immediately in order to begin treatment immediately. Antibiotics are taken for two weeks, sometimes less. Most likely you will be prescribed something from this list: clindamycin, cloxacillin or cefazolin.
If you take antibiotics and your condition does not improve, your doctor will prescribe intravenous immunoglobulin. Medicine has not proven the effectiveness of treating toxic shock syndrome with immunoglobulin, but the fact remains that it helps the body produce the necessary antibodies to destroy toxic bacteria.

Patients who seek treatment on time recover within 1-2 days. Remember: self-medication is strictly prohibited!

If you have ever had toxic shock syndrome, then you need to alternate between using tampons and pads. Perhaps there is a reason to use tampons only in exceptional cases, so as not to expose yourself to unnecessary risk. It is also best not to use barrier contraceptives such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge or intrauterine device.

I'm afraid of getting toxic shock syndrome. How to prevent the development of the disease?

Women in labor are at risk. In the first twelve weeks, you should not use tampons or barrier contraceptives!
Before inserting a tampon, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap! This is one of the most important conditions. If you are in a public place where this is not possible, buy hand sanitizer: it kills up to 99.99% of bacteria and is inexpensive.
Never keep a tampon on for more than 8 hours. There are cases when girls wore the same tampon for several days without consequences, but still it’s not worth the risk. It is advisable to use pads at night.
American doctors note that when using super-absorbent tampons, the risk of menstrual toxic shock is very high. Skip them and use tampons with medium absorbency.

Why is it important for a woman to feel comfortable during menstruation?

You know that your period is the most vulnerable time in your life. In addition to constant mood swings, you sometimes (or not sometimes?) experience discomfort or pain in the abdominal area, headaches, and dizziness. You don't feel attractive. You have to comply with certain restrictions, for example, do not swim in open water, do not ride a horse, do not ride a bicycle, and so on. In addition to this, almost everyone has a set of underwear “for these days,” which sometimes further aggravates the depressed state of mind. You cannot afford to wear the underwear you want, as it may cause physical discomfort.

There is a way out of such situations. Your gynecologist will prescribe you suitable painkillers, and a tampon, unlike a pad, will help you feel attractive. Fortunately, humanity took care of this and invented tampons even before our era. It appeared in its familiar form in the first half of the 20th century. A tampon has many advantages.

It is very convenient to use. Since it is located inside the vagina and not outside, the woman does not feel it, unlike a pad.
It does not cause skin irritation.
You can play sports, swim and ride a bike with it.
It fits any shape of underwear.

Millions of women use tampons. Don't panic and give up on them forever. To avoid toxic shock syndrome, just remember the above tips and carefully monitor your health and hygiene during these days.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is rare and often a life-threatening illness that develops suddenly after infection and can immediately affect multiple organ systems, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Because toxic shock syndrome progresses rapidly, immediate medical treatment is necessary.

What Causes Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Often appears after childbirth, flu, chicken pox, surgery, small cuts to the skin, wounds or bruises that cause bruising but do not break the integrity of the skin.

Often appears after prolonged use of tampons (menstrual toxic shock syndrome) or after a surgical procedure such as nasal surgery using a dressing (nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome).

Pathogenesis (what happens?) during Toxic Shock Syndrome

The immune reaction leading to toxic shock syndrome is usually due to a lack of specific antibodies against streptococcal or staphylococcal toxins. Young people may not have such antibodies.

Outbreaks of toxic shock syndrome disease can occur in hospitals and long-term care facilities where people live in close proximity to each other.

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome