Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life threatening complication which produces symptoms similar to other diseases, such as the flu. However, Toxic shock syndrome is much more serious, and is caused by the entry of certain bacteria into the bloodstream through an opening in the skin, such as a bruise or a cut. The infection causes a sharp drop in blood pressure that deprives organs of oxygen and can lead to death.
Toxic shock syndrome can affect men, children and postmenopausal women. Toxic shock syndrome can also affect menstruating women, especially those who use super-absorbent tampons. This has almost always been seen with the use of tampons; however, it has also been linked to the use of menstrual sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps.
Risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skin wounds and surgery.
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:
Symptoms for Toxic Shock Syndrome include:
- A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles
- A sudden high fever
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion and disorientation
- Headaches
- Redness of your eyes, mouth and throat
- Seizures
Diagnosis
Multiple tests can be conducted to diagnose toxic shock syndrome. Your doctor may ask for blood and urine samples to test for the presence of a staph or strep infection. He or she may also ask to swab your vagina, cervix or throat for samples to be tested in the lab.
Toxic shock syndrome can also affect various organs of the body, hence your doctor may also ask for a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan, X-ray and lumbar puncture to see the extent of damage your body has been induced into.
Treatment
Usually the patient has to be hospitalized to be treated for toxic shock syndrome. Your doctor will administer medications to treat the bacteria. You will also receive medicines to stabilize your blood pressure. The toxins produced by the staph or strep bacteria and accompanying hypotension may result in kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you may need dialysis.
At times, surgery may also be needed to remove the non-living tissue from the infected area.
