Toxic shock syndrome is a serious situation each woman must be conscious of. It’s a uncommon however very serious an infection that wants immediate medical attention, so it’s important to know the indicators and signs as quickly as they start. Although TSS can happen in anyone, it’s often linked to these that put on tampons throughout menstruation. If you don’t know a lot about TSS, we’re letting you in on 20 issues each woman ought to know from what causes TSS to how one can prevent it.
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening situation caused by micro organism entering the physique and releasing dangerous toxins. The toxins enter the bloodstream, which then unfold to the body’s organs, together with your liver, kidneys, lungs and heart. Toxic shock syndrome can progress quickly and result in the failure of these organs, inflicting extreme damage, sickness and even death.
What Causes Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Toxic shock syndrome is caused by staphylococcus (staph) or streptococcus (strep) bacteria. These micro organism usually live on the pores and skin or within the nostril or mouth with out inflicting harm, however when they get deeper into the physique and enter the bloodstream, that’s when toxins can be released.
Recent analysis has proven that TSS happens when each micro organism and oxygen enter the vaginal canal. Internal menstrual care merchandise can introduce oxygen into the vagina, which can create a breeding floor for micro organism and can trigger TSS. Tampons that are left within the physique over a lengthy interval of time may encourage the micro organism to grow. When blood flow is light, tampons can stick to the vaginal walls, inflicting tiny abrasions when they’re removed. TSS is additionally extra likely to recur in these that have had it before, so keep away from utilizing tampons if that is the case.
Toxic shock syndrome can occasionally develop as a complication after surgical procedure or childbirth. You may even be extra in danger for TSS if you’ve had a recent respiratory infection, such as sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis or pneumonia.
11 Toxic Shock Syndrome Signs and Symptoms
1. Fever and excessive temperature
2. Shock
3. Rapid drop in blood pressure (with lightheadedness and fainting)
4. Diarrhea or vomiting
5. Headache
6. Sunburn-like rash on any a half of the body, particularly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
7. Muscle aches
8. Confusion
9. Weakness
10. Peeing lower than usual
11. Feeling thirsty
When to See a Doctor
Call your physician instantly if you have indicators of poisonous shock syndrome because it requires immediate emergency care within the hospital. If you expertise TSS signs whereas utilizing a tampon, take away it proper away and inform the emergency division that you were wearing a tampon when the signs started.
How is Toxic Shock Syndrome Treated?
Toxic shock syndrome can’t be handled at home and requires hospital care. It could even be handled by:
- Antibiotics through intravenous drip (through a vein)
- Intravenous fluid to deal with shock and prevent organ failure
- Heart medications in these with very low blood pressure
- Dialysis could even be required in these that develop kidney failure
- Supplemental oxygen or mechanical air flow to assist with breathing
- Surgical cleansing of an contaminated wound
5 Tips to Prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome
1. Change Your Tampons Regularly
When you’re menstruating, change your tampons regularly, at least each four hours to eight hours, or extra frequently in case your flow is heavy. Wash your hands thoroughly earlier than and after inserting the tampon and solely unwrap the tampon if you’re going to make use of it immediately. You additionally ought to not put on tampons if you have a pores and skin an infection close to your genitals.
2. Ensure You’re Wearing the Proper Tampon Size
Make certain to make use of the proper size tampon for your flow. Choose ones with the bottom absorbency that will deal with your menstrual flow and keep away from utilizing super-absorbent tampons unless you actually want them. If your flow is light, use pantyliners or pads and always put on a nighttime pad when you sleep rather than a tampon.
3. Try a Menstrual Cup
The risk of TSS is by no means zero with any interval product, however a clean, properly-used menstrual cup makes the chance of getting TSS very small. Be certain to learn the user information for your menstrual cup and follow the directions for cleansing and use. You ought to thoroughly wash your hands previous to insertion and removal and wash your menstrual cup 2-3 times per day (every 10 to 12 hours). If you expertise any discomfort when utilizing a menstrual cup, discontinue use and contact your doctor.
4. Set a Timer
Even if you have the best intentions to change your tampon each 4-8 hours, it could even be easy to forget, particularly if you have a busy day. Set a timer in your phone to go off each four hours when you’re menstruating. If your tampon isn’t prepared to be changed, set it for a few hours extra to check it as quickly as extra and take it out after eight hours at most.
5. Talk to Your Daughter So She’s Aware of The Risks
Toxic shock syndrome can be very scary and though it’s rare, it’s very important for all women to know about in case they begin experiencing symptoms. Let your daughter know about the indicators and dangers of TSS to make sure she seeks immediate care if necessary.
Toxic shock syndrome is no joke and requires immediate medical attention. Be certain to know the indicators and signs of TSS so that you can search assist as quickly as possible if want be.
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