Toxic Shock Syndrome Health Article

Symptoms

TSS. TSS begins suddenly, with a high fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or above, vomiting and watery diarrhea, headache, and sunburn-like rash; together with a sore throat and body aches. Blood pressure may plummet a day or two after the first symptoms appear. When the blood pressure drops, a woman may become disoriented or go into shock and her kidneys may fail. After these developments, the skin on her hands and feet may peel.

STSS. STSS can occur after a streptococcal infection in the body, usually from an infected wound or even chickenpox. Typically, within 48-96 hours, the patient's blood pressure drops. There is also fever, dizziness, breathing problems, and a weak, rapid pulse. The area around the wound may swell, the liver and kidneys can fail, and bleeding problems may occur.

Diagnosis

Any woman who is wearing a tampon and begins to experience the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome should remove the tampon right away and seek medical care.

The doctor will probably examine the vagina for signs of inflammation and rule out common sexually transmitted diseases with similar symptoms. A variety of blood tests, tests of vaginal secretions, and a physical examination are needed to identify this condition.

Treatment

Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition. If it is suspected, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately. Treatment with antibiotic drugs and IV fluids will be necessary.

Goldenseal, calendula, and echinacea can be applied topically. A diet low in sugar, with an increase in the consumption of vegetables and fruit helps to build the immune system. Movement therapies and exercise are also beneficial.

TSS

Women who wear tampons should change them often and use different brands and types of pads and tampons. If a woman really prefers tampons, experts recommend using the lowest possible absorbency product made of cotton and rayon, and wearing it only during the day. In the past, it was difficult to compare absorbency rates for different products. Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires standardized absorbency measurements on all tampon boxes. Above all, women should wash their hands before inserting a tampon, and change the tampon every four to six hours.

Anyone who has had TSS even once should not use tampons again.

STSS

Doctors still are not sure how people can avoid STSS, but they advise patients to clean and bandage open wounds immediately. Anyone with a red, swollen, or tender wound, or a sudden fever should seek medical care.

Expected results

TSS lasts as long as three weeks, and may have a tendency to recur. About a third of the women who are treated for TSS have it again within six months. In addition, TSS can affect the liver, kidneys, lungs, and other organs, depending on the severity of the infection. Untreated toxic shock syndrome can be fatal.

BOOKS

Turkington, Carol A. Infectious Disease A to Z. New York: Facts on File, 1998.

PERIODICALS

Amir, L. "Breastfeeding and Staphylococcus aureus: Three Case Reports." Breastfeeding Review 10 (March 2002): 15-18.

Barnham, M. R., N. C. Weightman, A. W. Anderson, and A. Tanna. "Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome: A Description of 14 Cases from North Yorkshire, UK." Clinical Microbiology and Infection 8 (March 2002): 174-178.

Ghazal, S. S., M. N. Al-Hawasi, S. A. Al-Mosallam, et al. "Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome in a Small Infant." Saudi Medical Journal 23 (February 2002): 229-231.

Johnson, D., and P. D. Panthirana. "Toxic Shock Syndrome Following Cessation of Prophylactic Antibiotics in a Child with a 2% Scald." Burns 28 (March 2002): 181-184.

"Toxic shock syndrome—United States." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 46 (22) (June 6, 1997): 492-495.

Paula Ford-Martin

Rebecca J. Frey, PhD