What Are Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a medical emergency. It is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by certain types of bacteria that release toxins. TSS is often associated with the use of tampons during menstrual periods. However, other things like skin infections can also lead to toxic shock syndrome. Please continue reading to learn more about what causes this serious condition, the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, and its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What is toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is a collection of symptoms that occur as a complication of certain types of bacterial infections. Three bacteria are commonly responsible for causing TSS:

Staphylococcus aureus: This bacteria is normally present on the skin and does not usually cause infection. Most people develop antibodies to Staphylococcus aureus, but some do not and are at risk of toxic shock syndrome. In some people, a staph infection can develop from other infections like sinusitis, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, skin wounds, a surgical wound after recent surgery, or burns.
Streptococcus pyogenes: Streptococcal infection can occur in people with weak immune systems. Strep infection is also seen in people who have recently had bacterial cellulitis (skin infection) or chickenpox.
Clostridium sordellii: This bacteria is normally present in the vagina. It can enter the uterus during menstrual flow, childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or other gynecological procedures. Intravenous drug use can also lead to infection with this bacteria.

What are the risk factors for toxic shock syndrome?

The risk factors for developing toxic shock syndrome include the use of super-absorbent tampons; injured skin and skin infections involving staph bacteria or streptococcus bacteria; surgical wounds; recent childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion; and the use of vaginal foreign body items such as contraceptive devices (diaphragm or contraceptive sponge).

How long until toxic shock happens?

Toxic shock syndrome can develop as early as 12 hours after a surgical procedure. It can develop within 3-5 days of menstrual cup or tampon use.

How do I know if I have toxic shock syndrome?

Symptoms of Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome

High fever (over 102°F or 38.9°C)
Chills
Fatigue
Headache
Red rash on most of the body
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Body aches
Bruising
Low blood pressure
Shedding of large areas of skin, particularly on the palms and soles (this typically occurs 1-2 weeks after other symptoms start)
Increased blood flow to the eyes, mouth, and vagina, making them appear red
Decreased urine output and the presence of sediment in the urine
Confusion and disorientation

Symptoms of Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

Very low blood pressure
Shock (pale and clammy skin, bluish-tinged lips, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, weakness, fatigue, enlarged pupils, nausea, vomiting)
Bruising or bleeding
Difficulty breathing
Decreased urine output
Red rash on most of the body
Shedding of skin in large areas (this may or may not occur with strep infections)

Symptoms of C. sordellii toxic shock syndrome

No fever
Low blood pressure
Fast heart rate
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal tenderness
Lethargy
Generalized swelling

How is toxic shock syndrome diagnosed?

Infectious disease experts use a range of tests, including blood tests, blood cultures, urine tests, and lumbar punctures, to find and identify bacteria and diagnose toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

How is toxic shock syndrome treated?

Treatment of toxic shock syndrome may consist of the following:

Intravenous antibiotics
Intravenous fluids to treat shock
Medications to control blood pressure
Infusion of blood products
Supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation
Dialysis if kidney failure is present
Deep surgical cleaning of wounds to remove dead tissue

What are the complications of toxic shock syndrome TSS?

Severe cases of toxic shock syndrome can result in life-threatening complications such as dangerously low blood pressure, shock, reduced blood supply to body organs, adult respiratory distress syndrome, organ damage, and organ failure (heart dysfunction, reduced liver function, kidneys stop functioning), and other serious complications.

How to prevent toxic shock syndrome?

You can reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by skin wounds by:

Treating wounds and burns without delay.
Getting prompt treatment for an infected wound (signs and symptoms of wound infection include pain, redness, and swelling).

You can reduce your risk of tampon-induced TSS by:

Avoiding use of highly absorbent tampons as much as possible (use a tampon with the lowest absorbency possible for your menstrual flow).
Alternating use of tampons and sanitary pads during your period.
Washing your hands before and after inserting a tampon.
Changing tampons at least every 4 to 8 hours.
Never putting more than one tampon in your vagina at the same time.
Inserting a fresh tampon at night and removing it when you wake up in the morning.
Remembering to remove a tampon when your period finishes.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions for how long to leave in female barrier contraception.
Avoiding use of tampons and female barrier contraception if you have had toxic shock syndrome in the past.

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