Download Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
- is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection.
TSS was originally linked to the use of
tampons, but is now also known to be
associated with the contraceptive sponge and
diaphragm birth control methods. TSS has also
resulted from wounds secondary to minor
trauma or surgery incisions where bacteria
have been able to enter the body and cause the
infection.
Possible signs and symptoms of
toxic shock syndrome include:
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A sudden high fever
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Vomiting or diarrhea
A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and
soles
Confusion
Muscle aches
Redness of your eyes, mouth and throat
Seizures
Headaches
• There are two types of this condition. The first,
toxic shock syndrome, is caused
by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and has been
associated with the use of tampons. (TSS was
initially linked to a particular type of tampon,
which has since been taken off the market.)
Although the exact connection is still not clear,
researchers suspect that certain types of highabsorbency tampons provided a moist, warm home
where the bacteria could thrive.
• -TSS can affect anyone who has any
type of staph infection, including
pneumonia, abscess, skin or wound
infection, a blood infection called
septicemia, or a bone infection called
osteomyelitis.
• -The second type of related infection, streptococcal toxic
shock syndrome, or STSS, is caused by streptococcus
bacteria. Most often STSS appears after streptococcus
bacteria have invaded areas of injured skin, such as cuts
and scrapes, surgical wounds, and even chickenpox blisters.
• Toxic shock syndrome from staphylococcus starts suddenly
with vomiting, high fever (temperature at least 102°
Fahrenheit [38.8° Celsius]), a rapid drop in blood pressure
(with lightheadedness or fainting), watery diarrhea,
headache, sore throat, and muscle aches.
• Within 24 hours, a sunburn-like rash
appears. There also may be bloodshot eyes
and an unusual redness under the eyelids
or inside the mouth (and vagina in
females). After that, broken blood vessels
may appear on the skin. Other symptoms
may include: confusion or other mental
changes; decreased urination; fatigue and
weakness; thirst; weak and rapid pulse;
pale, cool, moist skin; and rapid breathing.
Prevention:
• -The bacteria that cause toxic shock syndrome can be
carried on unwashed hands and prompt an infection
anywhere on the body. So hand washing is extremely
important.
• The risk of TSS can be reduced by either avoiding tampons
or alternating them with sanitary napkins. Girls who use only
tampons should choose ones with the lowest absorbency
that will handle menstrual flow and change the tampons
frequently. Between menstrual periods, store tampons away
from heat and moisture (where bacteria can grow) — for
example, in a bedroom rather than in a bathroom closet.
• -Because staphylococcus bacteria are
often carried on dirty hands, it's
important for girls to to wash their hands
thoroughly before and after inserting a
tampon. If your daughter is just starting
her menstrual period, she should know
about taking these precautions. Any
female who has recovered from TSS
should check with her doctor before using
tampons again
Risk factors
• Toxic shock syndrome can affect
anyone. About half the cases of toxic
shock syndrome occur in
menstruating women; the rest occur
in older women, men and children.
• Toxic shock syndrome has been
associated with:
• Having cuts or burns on your skin
• Having had recent surgery
• Using contraceptive sponges,
diaphragms or superabsorbent
tampons
• Having a viral infection, such as the
flu or chickenpox
Diagnosis and
Treatment:
• -There's no one test for toxic shock syndrome.
You may need to provide blood and urine samples
to test for the presence of a staph or strep
infection. Your vagina, cervix and throat may be
swabbed for samples for laboratory analysis.
• Because toxic shock syndrome can affect multiple
organs, your doctor may order other tests, such
as a CT scan, lumbar puncture or chest X-ray, to
assess the extent of your illness
Treatment:
• Antibiotics while doctors seek the infection source
• Receive medication to stabilize your blood pressure if it's
low (hypotension) and fluids to treat dehydration
• Receive supportive care to treat other signs and symptoms
• The toxins produced by the staph or strep bacteria and
accompanying hypotension may result in kidney failure. If
your kidneys fail, you may need dialysis.
• Surgery may be necessary to remove nonliving tissue
(debridement) from the site of infection or to drain the
infection
Prevention
• Manufacturers of tampons sold should no longer
use the materials or designs that were associated
with toxic shock syndrome.
• If you use tampons, read the labels and use the
lowest absorbency tampon you can. Change
tampons frequently, at least every four to six
hours.
• Toxic shock syndrome can recur. People who've
had it once can get it again. If you've had toxic
shock syndrome or a prior serious staph or strep
infection, don't use tampons.