Most of you might have heard about toxic shock syndrome at least once in your lives. But what exactly is toxic shock syndrome and what are the causes that lead to someone developing it?
Here is a look at the answers
Essentially caused due to bacteria, Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare disease that can easily be prevented. Caused by the bacterium staphylococcus aureus, TSS occurs when the bacteria itself gets inside the bloodstream and produces specific infection-causing toxins. This can essentially happen if menstrual hygiene products like tampons or even are used for a longer period of time without being changed.
Symptoms:
Even though the many symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome can vary from one person to the other, there are a few common symptoms that people who might end up suffering from the infection face. The one thing to remember, however, is that these symptoms appear all of a sudden.
· Diarrhoea
· Vomiting
· Sudden
fever
· Shivering
· Headache
· Nausea
· Muscle
aches
A more serious symptom includes seizures, rashes and redness in the eyes, throat and the mouth as well.
We also understand that sometimes the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome might resemble those of other common issues like the flu. But if you feel that these symptoms have made a sudden appearance post the usage of sanitary pads or tampons, then it is always better to take a precautionary measure and contact your doctor.
Diagnosis:
You might be wondering how your doctor will take the next step and diagnose whether you are, in actuality, suffering from Toxic Shock Syndrome or not. The most common way to diagnose toxic shock syndrome is by physical examination combined with an analysis of the symptoms you might be experiencing. Blood tests are also common in this regard and a smear test will be conducted to check for the presence of the staphylococcus bacteria.
Swabbing is another method to help diagnose the presence of the bacteria. Swabs of the cells from your cervix or vagina can help determine whether one is truly suffering from the infection or not.
Treatment:
If someone is diagnosed with Toxic Shock Syndrome, then the infection is treated as a medical emergency without any delay. Under the treatment, the patient is admitted into the intensive care unit of a hospital where their treatment is monitored round the clock by the medical staff. This could take several days. From the use of IV fluids that will effectively help fight the infection better to being prescribed antibiotics, these treatments would help make the infection better. This could very well continue for a month or two in order to ensure every sign of the infection has been wiped off!
Medications might also be provided to stabilize the blood pressure levels and dehydration if any. Doctors might even give a person suffering from Toxic Shock Syndrome injections that will help boost the body’s immune system better.
Always remember to make an appointment with your doctor the moment you suspect that you might be suffering from TSS. This could, without a doubt, be the best thing you could do for yourself.
