About this topic
Toxic shock syndrome is also called TSS. It is a very serious infection that can be caused by 2 kinds of germs. TSS can start with a fever and lead to what is called shock. Shock is a problem when the body does not get enough blood flow. This can lead to organ damage and death if not treated right away. Women who use tampons during their periods are at risk of getting TSS. It can also happen in people who have open sores or a recent surgery. ‚
What are the causes?
The germs that cause toxic shock syndrome often live on your skin. You have antibodies to protect you from these germs. But, the germs can enter your body through a tiny cut, wound, burn, or other tissue. If your body is not able to fight off the germs, you may get an infection. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to get this illness if you are female. Your risk is higher if you use tampons, especially super absorbent ones. Using female birth control devices, like a sponge or diaphragm, may raise your risk. If you have an open sore, burn, or have had a recent surgery, you are at a higher risk. So does having packing in a wound or your nose. A serious illness like cancer, diabetes, or HIV also raises your risk for this illness. ‚
What are the main signs?
- High fever
- Red rash on the body that looks like a sunburn
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Loose stools
- Confusion
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Redness of the eyes
- Seizures
Often 1 to 2 weeks after getting sick, the skin will peel. This most often happens on the hands and feet. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and check for signs of a rash on the body. Your doctor will also look for redness in the eyes. Your blood pressure will be checked. There is not one test to tell if you have this problem. A swab, blood, or urine test may be taken to see if germs are there. A doctor may diagnose this if you have a rash, high fever, and problems with at least 3 different organs. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
If you were using a tampon, sponge, or diaphragm, the doctor will have you take them out right away. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Raise low blood pressure
- Help with upset stomach, throwing up, and loose stools
- Lessen pain and swelling
- Replace lost fluids
If your organs are not working well and you are very sick, you may need extra help. You may need a breathing machine if your lungs are damaged. If your kidneys are not working the right way, you may need dialysis. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Organ damage may happen with TSS. Problems with the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and any other organ will need to be treated. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Raise low blood pressure
- Help with upset stomach, throwing up, and loose stools
- Replace lost fluids
What problems could happen?
- Lasting organ damage or failure to kidneys, liver, or heart
- Shock
- TSS may happen again
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash your hands before putting in or taking out a tampon.
- Take extra care when using tampons.
- Change tampons at least every 4 to 8 hours.
- Use the lowest absorbency possible.
- Only use tampons during periods.
- Switch between using tampons and using pads.
- Use pads instead of tampons:
- At night
- When periods are light
- For other discharge from your vagina
- Wash your hands before you touch any open sores. Also wash before touching a dressing or cut after surgery. Ask your doctor how to change your dressings.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/toxic_shock.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/134/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚