Toxic Shock Syndrome
Two types of bacteria normally cause the two kinds of toxic shock syndrome. the most common is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that usually lives inside the nose, but can be found anywhere on the human body. When coming to wrong places the bacteria can cause certain diseases like meningitis and pneumonia and other urinary tract diseases. In case the bacteria enters the blood stream, it can cause numerous illnesses, including toxic shock syndrome, by the release of superantigens.
The other bacteria are the Streptococcus bacteria, that cause strep throat and flesh eating disease, can also cause another form of toxic shock syndrome. While having strep throat does not put you at risk for toxic shock syndrome, if a streptococcus bacterium invades the bloodstream, through a break in the skin, such as a cut, burn or blister, the result can be a toxic shock syndrome.
Here are some more details on the Toxic shock syndrome (TSS )
How common is TSS
While toxic shock syndrome occurs very rarely,. the average number of cases per year in U.K. is 40. Out of those people, it is likely that half of the cases will be severe enough to end in death.. If left untreated, toxic shock syndrome is mostly fatal.
Who is vulnerable to TSS
While anyone of any age can get toxic shock syndrome; including women, men and children, toxic shock is most associated with women who have their monthly menstruating cycles.
Symptoms of TSS
The symptoms of TSS can be many, However a few of them are listed below:
• Vomiting
• A sudden, red rash, usually on the face, or the vulva on females
• Dizziness, feeling faint or fainting
• Sudden fever
• Confusion
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea
• Shock
• Low blood pressure
• Peeling skin
• Sore throat
Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical help if any one has one or the more of above given symptoms.
Treatment for TSS
While a course of antibiotics will usually be prescribed, the first course of action for doctors presented with a case of toxic shock syndrome is to remove any foreign materials, such as a tampon, that could be the cause of the infection. Occasionally, dialysis may be needed if the TSS impairs the kidney functions. The patient will need to be monitored for a period, to make sure that they do not go into shock again.
Preventive methods for TSS.
It is believed that tampons can cause toxic shock because they provide a warm, moist environment where bacteria can thrive. In order to reduce the chances of TSS, it is important to wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon, change tampons frequently (every four to six hours), alternate between pads and tampons if possible and use the lowest absorbency possible for your flow.
It is also important to maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.