Toxic shock syndrome

Description

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 can 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 the copa menstrual, contraceptive sponges, or diaphragms.

Symptoms

Possible signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:

  • A sudden high fever
  • Low blood pressure
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • A rash resembling a sunburn, especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
  • The confusion
  • Muscle aches
  • Redness of the eyes, the mouth and throat
  • Seizures
  • Headaches

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor right away if you have signs or symptoms of toxic shock syndrome. This is especially important if you have recently used tampons or if you have a skin or wound infection.

Causes

Most commonly, Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome. The syndrome can also be caused by group a streptococcus (strep) bacteria.

Risk factors

Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone. About half of the cases of toxic shock syndrome associated with staph, bacteria occur in women age menstruating; the rest occur in older women, men, and children. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occurs in people of all ages.

Toxic shock syndrome has been associated with:

  • Have cuts or burns on the skin
  • After you have had a recent surgery
  • The use of contraceptive sponges, diaphragms, super-absorbent tampons or menstrual cups
  • Have a viral infection, like the flu or chicken pox

Complications

Toxic shock syndrome can progress quickly. Complications can include:

  • Download
  • Renal Failure
  • Death

Prevention

The manufacturers of tampons sold in the united States no longer use the materials or designs that have been associated with toxic shock syndrome. Also, the Food and Drug Administration requires manufacturers to use standard measuring and labeling for the absorption and the printing of the guidelines on the boxes.

If you use tampons, read the labels and use the lowest absorbency of tampon can. Change tampons frequently, at least every four to eight hours. Alternate the use of tampons and sanitary towels, and the use minipads when the flow of light.

Toxic shock syndrome can recur. People who have had that they can go back. If you have ever had toxic shock syndrome or a prior serious staph or strep infection, do not use tampons.

Toxic shock syndrome

Diagnosis

There is No single test for toxic shock syndrome. You may need to provide blood and urine samples to detect the presence of staphylococcus or streptococcus infection. Your vagina, cervix and the throat may be cleaned for the samples to be analyzed in a laboratory.

Due to the toxic shock syndrome can affect multiple organs, the doctor may order other tests such as a ct scan, a lumbar puncture or a chest x-ray to assess the severity of their disease.

Treatment

If you develop toxic shock syndrome, it is likely that you will be hospitalized. In the hospital, you will be able to:

  • Be treated with antibiotics, while the doctors are looking for the source of the infection
  • Receive medication to stabilize your blood pressure if it is low and fluids to treat dehydration
  • Receive supportive care for the treatment of other symptoms and signs

The toxins produced by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria and the accompanying hypotension can result in renal failure. If the kidneys fail, you may need dialysis.

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary to remove nonliving tissue from the site of the infection or to drain the infection.

Preparing for your appointment

Toxic shock syndrome is usually diagnosed in an emergency setting. However, if you are concerned about your risk of toxic shock syndrome, consult with your doctor to control your risk factors and talk about prevention. Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there is anything that you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
  • Write down your symptoms, even those that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes.
  • If the menstrual period, enter the date of your last period.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
  • Bring a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their doctor.

Prepare a list of questions for your doctor will help you make the most of your time together. For toxic shock syndrome, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?
  • What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
  • What tests do I need?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions as well.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, including:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • Do you use super-absorbent tampons?
  • What kind of birth control do you use?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Symptoms and treatment of Toxic shock syndrome