Symptoms Of Toxic Shock Syndrome

The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome( TSS) usually develop
rapidly, often in a woman who is otherwise healthy.

TSS is a potentially deadly disease and time might mean
life.

Therefore, if for any reason you suspect you might be developing TSS, please
see a doctor immediately.

This article discusses the  typical TSS symptoms associated with the use of tampons.

TSS Due to Tampons

Today, the number of causes of TSS due to tampons has
dropped dramatically. In 1980,TSS occurred in  9 out of 100,000 women in 1980  but is now about  1 out of 100,000 women since 1986. This was due to withdrawal of highly adsorbent tampons.

It is often due to the bug called Staphylococcus that can  grow
on the tampon and produces toxins that cause TSS.

TSS is not always due to tampons. It may also result from
surgical wound infection, abscess or 
after delivery.

Symptoms of TSS

Symptoms
usually develop within the first five days after the onset of menstruation. They are similar to TSS  not related to tampons as above.

The symptoms usually develop suddenly in a woman who was
apparently well a few hours earlier. TSS can progress very quickly and
therefore requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Early symptoms About 20% of women will have some early flu-like symptoms for about 2-3 days before the full-blown illness These may include Fever Chills Muscle aches Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Full-blown TSS symptoms

When tampon related TSS first appeared in the early 80’s, the
 US Centers for Disease Prevention and
Treatment ( CDC) identified three main symptoms with involvement of at least
three other body systems

The three main symptoms are

• Fever
• Hypotention: Low blood pressure. This is where the Shock in the
  Toxic Shock comes from.
• Red Rash. This involves most of the body including the palms
  and tongue. The rash is flat and will become white if rapidly pressed and
  released.

Additional signs and symptoms

As in any kind of shock, may organs might be affected
including the kidney, lungs, brain, heart or liver. The hallmark of shock is
widespread damage to the organs of the body, known medically as multiorgan failure.
That is why TSS patients will need to be treated in the intensive care unit of
the hospital

Other symptoms may include

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion or 
  drowsiness
• Abdominal pain

When To Call Your Doctor

TSS is not a diagnosis “to mess around with” at home. As I noted above, if you use tampons and suspect you might be developing TSS, please see a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. Time may mean life.

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