Toxic Shock Syndrome - Symptoms And It's Treatment

Definition

Toxic shock syndrome is an acute bacterial infection that may be caused by toxin-producing, penicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, such as TSS toxin-1 and staphylococcal enterotoxins B and C. It primarily affects menstruating women under age 30 and it is associated with continuous use of tampons during menses.

Causes of Toxic shock syndrome

If you have this disease, then TSS linked to the use of tampons and intra vaginal contraceptive devices such as diaphragm and the sponge. Although tampons and intravaginal contraceptive devices are clearly implicated in TSS, their exact role is uncertain. But, they may contribute to development of TSS by:

• Introducing S. aureusinto the vagina during insertion
• Using high-absorbency tampons causes irritation and vaginal dryness, thereby increasing toxin production
• Traumatizing the vaginal mucosa during insertion, thus leading to infection
• Providing a favorable environment for the growth of S. aureus.

TSS is more closely related to the use of high-absorbency tampons and all tampons are associated with TSS risk.

Symptoms of Toxic shock syndrome

Various symptoms are associated with this disease include:

• Muscle pains
• Fever over 104° F (40° C)
• Chills
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Decreased level of consciousness
• Rigors
• Conjunctival hyperemia, and vaginal hyperemia and discharge.

These symptoms usually occur during or shortly after menstruation. Severe hypotension occurs with hypovolemic shock. Within a few hours of onset, a deep red rash develops - especially on the palms and soles - and later desquamates.

Major complications of this disease may include:

• Persistent neuropsychological abnormalities
• Mild renal failure
• Rash, and cyanotic arms and legs.

Treatment of Toxic shock syndrome

If you have this disease, then you should be use Possible treatment such as:

• Treatment consists of I.V antistaphylococcal antibiotics that are betalactamase resistant, such as oxacillin and nafcillin. To treat shock and prevent organ damage, expect to replace fluids with saline solution and colloids. Pulmonary, cardiac, and renal support may also be required.
• Administer antibiotics slowly and adhere to a strict administration schedule. Be sure to watch for signs of penicillin allergy.
• You can treat Menstrual TSS by avoiding the use of highly absorbent tampons.
• Obtain specimens of vaginal and cervical secretions for culture of S. aureus.
• Remove any tampons from the patient's body immediately.