Toxic shock syndrome is caused by an infection by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, which produce toxins that interact with the immune system, resulting in symptoms such as fever, red rash, increased hair permeability and hypotension that, if left untreated, can cause organ failure. or even death.
This rare syndrome usually occurs in women who menstruate and use a tampon with high absorption or for a long time, or in people who have a cut, injury, bite of infected and poorly treated insects, or who have an infection caused by S. aureus. o S. as a throat infection, impetigo or infectious cellulite, for example.
- Treatment should be done as soon as possible and usually consists of antibiotics.
- Blood pressure normalizing medications and fluids to prevent dehydration.
Toxic shock syndrome can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, peeling of feet and hands, limb cyanosis, kidney and liver dysfunction, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
In more severe cases, rapidly progressive acute kidney and liver failure, heart failure and seizures may occur.
Toxic shock syndrome can be caused by a toxin released by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.
Women who use vaginal tampons have an increased risk of developing this syndrome, especially if the tampon stays in the vagina for a long time or has a high absorbent power, which may be due to the attraction of bacteria by the tampon or the appearance of small cuts in the vagina when placed. Learn how to use the tampon correctly to prevent infections.
In addition, this syndrome can also result from diaphragm use or complications in cases of mastitis, sinusitis, infectious cellulite, throat infection, osteomyelitis, arthritis, burns, skin lesions, respiratory infections, postpartum or post-surgical, for example.
To prevent toxic shock syndrome, a woman should change the tampon every 4 to 8 hours, use a low-absorption tampon or menstrual cup, and always change it, wash her hands thoroughly. If you have skin lesions, you should keep the cut, wound, or burn well disinfected.
Treatment should be done as soon as possible to avoid complications, such as hepatic and renal failure, heart failure or shock, which can lead to death.
Treatment includes intravenous antibiotics, blood pressure stabilizing medications, fluids to prevent dehydration and immunoglobulin injections, suppress inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
In addition, if necessary, your doctor may deliver oxygen to aid respiratory function and, if necessary, drain and remove infected areas.