Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) was first identified in the 1970s and became a widely publicized health problem in the 1980s. It has always been primarily associated with women using the ultra-absorbent internal tampon, but anyone - from men to children - can actually suffer from it. Female contraceptives for vaginal use, cuts and scrapes, nosebleeds and even chickenpox allow the introduction of staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria into the body, which release toxins into the blood system. It is not easy to recognize, because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, such as the cold, but prompt diagnosis and the right treatments make the difference between a complete recovery and a serious complication (which, although rarely, can be fatal). Evaluate the risks and symptoms to determine if you have this disease and seek immediate medical attention.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Recognize the Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to flu-like symptoms
Most cases of TSS manifest signs that can easily be confused with colds or some other ailments. Watch your entire body carefully to make sure you don't overlook any important signs of TSS.
Toxic shock syndrome can cause fever (usually above 39 ° C), aches and pains in major muscles, headache, vomiting or diarrhea, and other flu-like symptoms. Compare the risks of contracting the disease (for example, you have an oozing surgical wound or, if you are a girl, you are menstruating and using a tampon) with the odds of having the flu. If there is any reasonable risk of TSS, monitor other possible symptoms very closely
Step 2. Look for visible signs of the disease, such as rashes on the hands, feet or other areas
If there is a "telltale sign" of the syndrome, it is a sunburn-like rash that develops on the palms and / or soles of the feet. However, not all cases of TSS carry this symptom, and the rash can appear on any part of the body.
People with TSS may also notice significant redness in the eyes, mouth, throat, vagina and around these areas; if you have an open wound, be careful if any signs of infection develop, such as redness, swelling, tenderness, or discharge
Step 3. Identify other serious symptoms
In the case of TSS, symptoms usually begin two to three days after contracting the infection and often begin in a mild form. However, when the situation escalates quickly, the symptoms worsen quickly, so you need to be very careful and check for any signs of illness.
Look out for a sudden drop in blood pressure, often accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, disorientation or convulsions It also checks for signs of kidney or other organ failure (for example, significant pain or signs of malfunction of the affected organ)
Method 2 of 3: Confirm and Treat TSS
Step 1. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have toxic shock syndrome
If treated early, it is usually easily treatable; however, if not diagnosed early, it can progress quickly and require a lengthy hospital stay. Sometimes, albeit rarely, it leads to irreversible organ failure - with the need for possible amputations - and even death.
- Stay safe. If you have symptoms of TSS or have potential signs and also fall into several risk categories for the syndrome (for example, you have constant nosebleeds or have been using female contraceptives for a long time), go to the emergency room immediately.
- Unless instructed otherwise by the medical staff over the phone, immediately remove the tampon you are using (if you find yourself in this situation).
Step 2. Prepare for demanding, but usually effective, treatment
Although this disease is often successfully treated when diagnosed early, a hospital stay of several days (often in intensive care) is not unusual. In most cases, first-line therapy is the administration of one or more antibiotics.
Treatment of symptoms depends on the specific characteristics of the case and typically involves providing oxygen, introducing intravenous fluids, taking pain relievers or other medications, and sometimes kidney dialysis
Step 3. Take special precautions against relapses
Unfortunately, once you get TSS, you are about 30% more likely to suffer from it again in the future. If you want to prevent new and serious episodes from recurring, you need to make lifestyle changes and pay closer attention to symptoms.
For example, if you have already suffered from this infection, you should no longer use tampons (and switch to external ones); you must also find alternative female contraceptives and use those other than the sponge or diaphragm
Method 3 of 3: Limit Your Risks
Step 1. Use tampons with caution
When it was first identified, toxic shock syndrome appeared to occur exclusively in menstruating women who used extra-absorbent internal tampons. Increased awareness and the use of different products have significantly reduced the incidence of tampon-related infection, but this still accounts for 50% of all cases.
- TSS is usually triggered by staphylococcal bacteria or other strains that release toxins into the bloodstream, causing (in a small percentage of the population) a severe immune response leading to dangerous side effects. However, it is still unclear why prolonged use of "super" tampons is the biggest risk factor. Some believe that the presence of the tampon in the vagina for long periods creates the ideal environment for bacterial proliferation, while others say that the tampon excessively dries the mucous membranes, causing small cuts and lacerations during removal.
- Regardless of the cause, the best defense against TSS for a menstruating woman is to use tampons whenever possible; opt for tampons with the lowest useful absorbency and change them often (every 4-8 hours), keep them in a cool and dry place to avoid the development of bacterial colonies (therefore not in the bathroom) and wash your hands before and after handling them.
Step 2. Follow the instructions when using certain types of female contraceptives
Although they are responsible for fewer cases of TSS than tampons, devices that fit into the vagina, such as sponges and diaphragms, must be used with great care. Just as with tampons, the duration of their presence in the female body appears to be the key factor in possible TSS.
In general, keep the sponge or diaphragm in the vagina only for as long as strictly necessary and never more than 24 hours. Keep them away from heat and humidity (and from other environments that promote the growth of bacteria), also wash your hands before and after handling them
Step 3. Pay attention to other possible causes that can affect anyone
Women, especially young ones, account for the vast majority of TSS patients, but the infection can also develop in men and people of any age. If streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria enter the body, the immune system responds massively; as a result, no one is truly safe from severe TSS.
- The syndrome develops when bacteria enter an open wound, after childbirth, during chickenpox, or when gauze is placed in the nose for a long time to manage nosebleeds.
- For this reason, clean the wounds well, scrupulously bandage them and change the dressings regularly, also often change the gauze for epistaxis or find ways to reduce or get rid of this disorder; pay attention to the rules and advice for hygiene.
- Young people are more prone to toxic shock syndrome; the best theory explaining this phenomenon states that adults have developed stronger immune systems. If you are a teenager or young woman, be especially vigilant.
