What do you think if you suddenly develop a high fever, body aches, and feel like you have a cold? Usually, we think it's a viral fever. However, if you use a tampon during your period, or if you have a wound or a scar from surgery, these symptoms could be a sign of something more serious than a normal fever. That's the dangerous, but very rare condition we're talking about today. It's toxic shock syndrome, or ``Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)'' for short.
Simply put, what is toxic shock syndrome (TSS)?
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious, life-threatening condition caused by certain types of bacteria in our bodies producing toxins. The toxins produced by these bacteria enter our bloodstream and begin to damage major organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Many people have heard of this condition in association with tampons used during menstruation. That's true, but it's not just a disease that affects women. Anyone, at any age, can get TSS. The bacteria can also enter the body through skin wounds, surgical scars, burns, and nasal packings. In fact, half of those who get TSS are not menstruating.
The most dangerous thing about this is that the symptoms start suddenly and progress very quickly. But the good news is that if diagnosed early and treated early, it can be completely cured .
What are the symptoms of TSS? Do they appear suddenly?
Yes, the symptoms of TSS usually start suddenly and become severe within a few hours. Knowing these signs could save your life.
The important thing is that these symptoms are very similar to those of a cold, so we can sometimes ignore them. So be especially careful about this.
Let's clearly see what these symptoms are in the table below.
| Symptom | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Sudden high fever | A sudden, severe fever with chills and body aches. Just like dengue. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Nausea and vomiting with stomach pain. |
| Watery diarrhea (diarrhea) | Severe watery diarrhea. |
| Skin rash | Red, sunburn-like rash all over the body. Sometimes it can look like small red dots. |
| Dizziness and fainting | Dizziness , blurred vision, or fainting. |
| Low blood pressure (Hypotension) | A sudden drop in blood pressure is very dangerous. |
| Redness of the eyes, mouth, and throat | Redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis), redness of the throat and inside of the mouth. |
| Skin peeling | Peeling of the skin during the healing process, especially on the palms and soles of the feet. |
Why does TSS occur? Is the tampon really the culprit?
Simply put, the culprit is not the tampon itself. The culprit is the bacteria. What the tampon does is create a good environment for that bacteria to grow.
TSS is mainly caused by two types of bacteria.
1. Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus or staph)
2. Streptococcus pyogenes (Streptococcus pyogenes or group A strep)
These bacteria usually live harmlessly on our skin, in our noses, and in our mouths. However, sometimes they can enter the body, multiply rapidly, and start producing toxins.
How does a tampon relate to this?
When you use a tampon during your period, it stays inside your vagina for hours. This is a breeding ground for Staphylococcus bacteria. In particular,
- If you keep the same tampon for hours without changing it.
- If you use a super-absorbent tampon on days when your menstrual flow is light,
- If tiny cuts occur in the vaginal walls when inserting or removing a tampon , bacteria can enter the bloodstream through them.
Not only tampons, but also menstrual cups, diaphragms, or sponges used for birth control can pose this risk if left in for longer than the recommended period.
How can TSS occur without a tampon?
- Bacteria enter through wounds, cuts, and scratches on the skin.
- Wound infection after surgery.
- After having a child.
- Burn injuries.
- To stop nosebleeds, use gauze inserted inside.
How does a doctor diagnose TSS?
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor immediately. He or she will examine you. If you suspect you have TSS, you may be given several tests, including:
- Blood and urine tests: To find out if there is an infection in the body and what bacteria is causing it.
- Vaginal and cervical examination: Check for signs of infection, including if a tampon or other object was used.
- Tissue culture: A sample taken from the vagina, cervix, or throat is sent to a laboratory to check for bacteria.
- If there is a wound, take a sample from it.
If the condition is severe, a CT scan or chest X-ray may be done to see if there is damage to internal organs.
How is TSS treated?
TSS is not something that can be treated at home. It is a medical emergency. Therefore, if you have symptoms, you should go to a hospital immediately, especially an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
The main treatments given at the hospital are:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are given intravenously (IV) to control bacterial infections.
- IV fluids: Saline is given to prevent dehydration and control blood pressure.
- Blood pressure medications: If your blood pressure is too low, you will be given medication to bring it back to normal.
- Administer oxygen: If there is difficulty breathing.
- Dialysis if the kidneys fail: If the kidneys stop working, dialysis treatment is used to purify the blood.
- Surgery: Sometimes, infected and dead tissue needs to be surgically removed.
How can we protect ourselves from this dangerous situation?
TSS is a rare condition, but we all want to be safe from it. By following these simple steps, you can greatly reduce your risk.
| What to do | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Change tampons frequently. | Be sure to change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours . Change it sooner if the bleeding is heavy. |
| Choose the lowest absorption level. | Choose a tampon with the lowest absorbency level needed for your period. |
| Use tampons and sanitary pads alternately. | Use a sanitary pad instead of a tampon, especially at night. It's also a good idea to alternate between them during the day. |
| Keep wounds clean. | Clean any cuts, scrapes, or surgical wounds on your skin thoroughly to prevent infection. If the wound becomes swollen, red, or hot, see a doctor. |
| Be careful with birth control devices. | If you are using things like diaphragms or sponges, follow their instructions exactly. |
What if I have had TSS before?
If you have had TSS before, you are at higher risk of developing it again. Therefore, it is best to stop using tampons altogether. Talk to your doctor about this and get advice.
Take-Home Message
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious condition that can be life-threatening.
- The main symptoms are sudden high fever, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, red skin rashes, and dizziness.
- This can occur not only in people who use tampons, but also in anyone who has had skin injuries or surgery.
- If you use tampons, change them every 4-8 hours. It is safer to use sanitary pads at night.
- If you suspect you have symptoms of TSS, especially if you are using a tampon, remove it immediately and see a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room (ETU). Time is of the essence here.
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