Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), although rare, can lead to kidney failure or death if not treated properly. Most people may think that TSS is caused by simply using a tampon, however, bacterial infections are the real cause of TSS while tampons are risk factors. Some other risk factors for TSS may include surgery, use of menstrual cups, etc. The syndrome does not limit itself to a particular community, nor does it limit itself to a particular age group. Therefore, it is important to check in with a health professional when you experience symptoms related to TSS.
What are some symptoms that one should watch out for? Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, sudden fever, vomitting, rashes on one’s palms that may look like sunburns, and seizures. TSS results from toxins created by the staph bacteria or the toxins created by the strep bacteria. To prevent these bacterial infections, it is recommended that before buying/using tampons, check for the ones with lower absorbencies to decrease risk factor of TSS. Additionally, one must remember to change tampons every 4-8 hours as bacteria can grow on tampons and become trapped in one’s vagina then travel into the uterus. These are basic steps that one can do to lower the risk of getting TSS, and fortunately for many of us, many tampon manufacturers are no longer using materials that increase the risk for TSS. In a review done by researchers Yu-Yu Chang, Yhu-Chering Huang, and Tzou-Yien Lin, they stated that material changes in manufacturing tampons, decrease of tampon absorbency, awareness among women, etc. all contributed to the decline of TSS.
If one is diagnosed with TSS, there are treatments that could be used to control bacterial growth. These treatments include antibiotics, fluids to prevent organ damage, medicine for controlling blood pressure, surgeries if necessary, etc. It is best to consult with a health professional first, as treatments tend to involve hospitalization. Because TSS may cause serious complications like death, it is best to get treatment quickly as TSS won’t disappear on its own.
In summary, toxic shock syndrome is caused by bacterial infections and anyone can get this syndrome. In order to decrease the risk of being diagonosed with TSS, use tampons that have low absorbency and change them in a timely manner! Additionally, check with a health professional regarding any symptoms experienced as leaving TSS unchecked will cause serious complications.
References:
Chuang, Yu-Yu, et al. “Toxic Shock Syndrome in Children.” Pediatric Drugs, vol. 7, no. 1, Jan. 2005, pp. 11–25. https://doi.org/10.2165/00148581-200507010-00002.
Professional, Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Toxic Shock Syndrome.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15437-toxic-shock-syndrome.
“Toxic Shock Syndrome - Symptoms and Causes - Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, 23 Mar. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355384.
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