Cara Bristow by Cara Bristow

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

carambristow — 2024-07-20 14:32:30 UTC

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.

Symptoms of TSS

carambristow — 2024-07-20 14:39:52 UTC

A sudden high fever
Low blood pressure
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
Affect organs such as your heart, liver or kidneys

TSS doesn't just affect WOMEN

carambristow — 2024-07-20 14:51:50 UTC

TSS can affect anyone of any age. It affects 1 in every 100,000 people. TSS is more common in people assigned female at birth (AFAB), but it can affect anyone.

It can also occur when bacteria gets into open wounds, cuts or sores on your body from skin infections, surgeries, childbirth or a nosebleeds that require packed gauze.

Commonly Associated with Tampon Use

carambristow — 2024-07-20 15:33:36 UTC

When you use a tampon, Staphylococcus aureus can become trapped in your vagina and enter the uterus through the cervix.

It can grow on tampons, especially if they aren’t changed often enough. Although it is less common, you can still get TSS from pads.

It can also grow if your menstrual flow is light and you use a super-absorbent tampon.

Tampons can also cause tiny cuts in your vagina, and bacteria can enter your bloodstream.

Types of Bacteria

carambristow — 2024-07-20 16:13:45 UTC

How to Prevent TSS

carambristow — 2024-07-20 16:34:09 UTC

FOR MENSTRUATING WOMEN:

Use sanitary pads instead of tampons.
Change tampons every 4 to 8 hours.

OTHER:

Keep surgical incisions clean to avoid infection.

TSS and Dental Hygiene

carambristow — 2024-07-20 17:17:17 UTC

This occurs when there is an unusual overgrowth of toxin-producing bacteria in the mouth.

British author, artist, and director Clive Barker had a dental procedure that released a large amount of the bacteria directly into his bloodstream, leading to the release of toxins and the development of TSS. He went into a coma and was hospitalized for several days. His doctors even admitted that they did not anticipate his survival until he began to fight, attempting to remove the tubes that were in his throat. Fortunately, Barker made a full recovery.

Treatment

carambristow — 2024-07-20 17:20:43 UTC

Antibiotics will be administered to stop the disease and manage sepsis. Penicillin and clindamycin are commonly used together to treat patients.

Also, dialysis may be needed in case of kidney failure.

In extreme cases, dead skin or limbs may need to be surgically removed and/or amputated.

TSS will not go away on its own.

Those At Risk

carambristow — 2024-07-20 17:28:58 UTC

Once you have had TSS, you're approximately 30% more likely to get it again.

Adults over 65 are more likely to get TSS, as are people with a chronic illnesses such as diabetes or alcohol use disorder.

Leading to Death

carambristow — 2024-07-20 17:39:02 UTC

Toxic shock syndrome can lead to death in 30% to 70% of cases.

Streptococcal TSS: Can have a fatality rate of over 50%, and is often accompanied by severe tissue damage and blood infections.

Staphylococcal TSS: Has a fatality rate of around 1 in 20 cases, and symptoms can include a sunburn-like rash.