Toxic Shock Syndrome
About Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but rare infection caused by either Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, or by
Streptococcal bacteria.
Initially the use of tampons, especially high-absorbency and those which do not change often linked, it is
now also known to be associated with the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm birth control methods.
TSS can also occur from wounds secondary to minor trauma or surgery incisions where bacteria have been able to enter
The body and cause infections.
TSS also can affect anyone who has any type of staph infection, including pneumonia, abscess, skin or wound infection,
the septicemia sepsis, osteomyelitis, or bone infection.
In most cases, streptococcal TSS appears invaded by bacteria are areas of injured skin, such as cuts and abrasions,
Surgical wounds, and even chickenpox blisters.
Symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, diarrhea, headache, rash and muscle pain. If your
Child has these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Symptoms
Toxic shock syndrome begins suddenly, often with a high fever (temperature at least 102 ° F [38.8 ° C]), a rapid drop in
Blood pressure (with lightheadedness or fainting), vomiting, diarrhea, headache, neck pain, or muscle pain.
A sunburn-like rash can occur anywhere on the body, including the palms and soles. A person
could also have bloodshot eyes and an unusual redness under the eyelids or inside the mouth (and vagina in females). The
Around an infected wound, swollen, reddened and tender, or may not even appear infected.
Other symptoms may include confusion or other changes, decreased urination, fatigue and weakness, and thirst.
If TSS is untreated, can begin organs such as the liver and kidneys to fail, and problems such as cramps, bleeding and
Can develop heart failure.
Prevention
The bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome can be carried out on unwashed hands and calls for an infection somewhere in the
Body. So good hand washing is extremely important.
Girls can reduce their risk of TSS by either avoiding tampons or alternating with sanitary napkins. Girls using
Tampons should only choose those with the lowest absorbency that menstruation is treated, and change the tampon
common. In low-flow days girls should use 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 cabinet.
Since staph bacteria are often worn on hands, it is important for the girls to wash their hands thoroughly
before and after the insertion of a tampon. If your daughter has her menstrual period, to talk to her about taking this
Precautions. Any woman who has recovered from TSS should not use tampons.
Clean and bandage all skin wounds as quickly as possible. Call your doctor if a wound becomes red,
swollen or tender, or if a fever begins.
Diagnosis and Treatment
TSS is a medical emergency. If you think your child has TSS, call a physician immediately. Depending on the symptoms, a
Doctor can see the office or refer you to a hospital emergency immediate evaluation and testing.
If doctors suspect TSS, they will probably start intravenous (IV) fluids and antibiotics as soon as possible. They may
a sample of the suspected site of infection, such as the skin, nose or vagina to check it for TSS. They may
take a blood sample.
Other blood tests can help monitor how various organs such as the kidneys work and check for other diseases that may
be causing the symptoms.
Medical personnel will remove tampons, contraceptives or wound packing; clean all wounds, and if there is a case
of infection (abscess), a doctor may need to drain pus from the infected area.
People with TSS must generally stay in the hospital, often in intensive care unit (ICU) for a few days
closely monitor blood pressure, respiratory status and for signs of other problems to look like organ damage.
TSS is a very rare disease. Although it can be fatal, if recognized and treated promptly be it is usually curable.
When to call the doctor
Call your doctor immediately if your child has any signs or symptoms of toxic shock syndrome. Once you realize that
something is wrong, then it is important to see a doctor immediately. The sooner your child gets treatment, the better.