Toxic Shock Syndrome In Female: Causes And Prevention

Have you heard of toxic shock syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal condition that may affect menstruating females, especially those who use super-absorbent tampons.

What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening condition caused due to the release of toxins produced by harmful bacteria getting into the body. Toxic shock syndrome disease became a headlight between late 1970 and early 1980 after the death of many young female using super absorbent tampon.This condition is mainly associated with young women using tampons but may affect people of any age and gender. If not treated early, it can be fatal. However, if diagnosed early toxic shock syndrome can be treated, and full recovery is possible.

What Are The Symptoms Of Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome start all of a sudden and quickly get worse. The body reacts to the overgrowth of staphylococcus infection with the sharp drop in the blood pressure depriving organs of oxygen that leads to death.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include high temperature, headache, feeling exhausted, a cough, a sore throat, an aching body, diarrhea, widespread rashes, whites of the eyes, tongue, and lips turns red, difficulty breathing, fainting or dizziness, and confusion.

In some cases, patients may also have a wound on the skin from where the bacteria has entered into the body.
If you are on your period, use tampon on menstrual sponge or cervical cap, and have high fever with vomiting and other burning symptoms of toxic shock syndrome remove tampon, sponge or cap immediately and get medical help as soon as possible

What Causes Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is caused due to overgrowth of staphylococcus aureus or staph found in the body of many females.

However, scientists are unable to find why staphylococcus bacteria, which is very usually and harmlessly present in the female vagina, cause toxic shock syndrome. For the growth of bacteria, two conditions are required. First, a perfect environment that helps them to thrive, and second, release of poison. Blood saturated tampons specially made up of polyester foam provide a supportive place for the growth of bacteria. Sliding the tampon into the place may cause microscopic tears in the vaginal wall, leading to the rupture of tiny blood vessels that give way to bacteria into the bloodstream. Super absorbent tampons, if left for an extended period, especially when your flow is light, dries out the vagina, and makes the tear more likely.

Who Are At The Risk of Developing Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is mainly a disease of menstruating females who use a tampon, but it has also been linked with the use of the diaphragm, cervical cap, and menstrual sponge. Also, a female who has recently given birth to a baby is at high chance of getting toxic shock syndrome. This condition may also affect men for women who are exposed to staphylococcus bacteria after recovering from a burn, an open wound, surgery, or the use of any prosthetic device.

In more than one-third of the cases of toxic shock syndrome, females under the age of 19. 30% of females who have suffered from company stock syndrome have chances of getting it again.

Diagnosis Of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Your doctor may ask for several tests to diagnose toxic shock syndrome, such as urine and blood samples to confirm the presence of infection. In addition, a CT scan, chest x-ray, and lumbar puncture may be carried out to rule out the affected organs.

What Is The Treatment Of Toxic Shock Syndrome

toxic shock syndrome is an emergency condition. The patient is immediately hospitalized and receives antibiotics, medicines to maintain blood pressure, fluid replacement, and other supportive care.

How To Prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome

By taking some measures, you can reduce the chances of toxic shock syndrome.

• Change tampons after at least after every 4-6 hours.
• Do not use super absorbent tampons. Also avoid applicator tampons
• Unwrap the tampons only when you are going to use it
• Wash your hands before and after using tampons
• Insert and remove the tampons gently
• Do not use tampons when you are not on periods
• During the last days of your periods when the flow is light better use panty liners or pads
• While inserting the tampon use a lubricating jelly especially during the last days of your period