Toxic Shock Syndrome : Articles

Toxic shock syndrome is a severe disease that involves fever, shock, and problems with the function of several body organs.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an uncommon, but potentially serious, illness that occurs when poisonous substances (toxins) produced by certain bacteria enter the bloodstream. The toxins cause a type of blood poisoning caused by staphylococcal, or less commonly streptococcal, infections in the lungs, throat, skin or bone, or from injuries. Women using super-absorbent tampons during menstruation were found to be most likely to get toxic shock syndrome.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an uncommon, but potentially serious, illness that occurs when poisonous substances (toxins) produced by bacteria enter the bloodstream. The toxins cause a type of blood poisoning that results in high fever , symptoms of shock, and potentially organ failure.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an uncommon but potentially serious illness that occurs when poisonous substances (toxins) produced by certain bacteria enter the bloodstream. The toxins cause a type of blood poisoning caused by staphylococcal, or less commonly streptococcal, infections in the lungs, throat, skin or bone, or from injuries. Women using super-absorbent tampons during menstruation were found to be most likely to get toxic shock syndrome.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but sometimes fatal disease that occurs mainly in menstruating women who use tampons. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is caused by a toxinproducing strain of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus that can accumulate in the vagina during menstruation. Women who use high-absorbency tampons or leave a tampon in place for an extended period are at increased risk for TSS. There have also been several reported cases of TSS associated with the use of the contraceptive sponge or diaphragm. Treatment of TSS usually involves a hospital stay with intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and flushing of the vagina to reduce the level of toxin-producing bacteria. A teenager who experiences an episode of TSS faces a 30% chance of a repeat episode sometime in the future. TSS is characterized by the following symptoms during menstruation: sudden high fever (over 101°F ); nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; blotchy, red rash that resembles sunburn; sudden drop in blood pressure (usually indicated by lightheadedness or fainting); lethargy or disorientation; severe muscle ache; and redness of the eyes, mouth, throat, or vagina. Any woman who experiences these symptoms during tampon use should remove the tampon immediately and seek medical attention. —Gail B. Slap, M.D. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine