Tampons appeared in the distant 30s. Since that time, they have become a real lifesaver for girls. Thanks to these hygiene products, during your period you can wear tight clothes, play sports, dance, go to the pool and not feel any discomfort.

But many gynecologists are against tampons. Some health problems are associated with their use: thrush, inflammatory processes, dysbacteriosis. Tampon shock is the most dangerous illness. How to avoid unpleasant consequences from the use of these hygiene products, we will consider in the article.

Toxic shock syndrome

Syndrome toxic shock(TSS) is a manifestation of severe intoxication (poisoning) of the body with bacteria. The disease develops at lightning speed and always occurs in acute form.

This is important! You will not be able to cope with toxic shock syndrome on your own. At the first symptoms of the disease, a woman must seek medical attention medical assistance. Otherwise, complications can spread to the kidneys and liver, up to complete refusal these organs.

Toxic shock syndrome is caused by a number of bacteria and microorganisms:

• streptococci;
• staphylococci;
• malarial plasmodium.

Bacteria “throw out” toxins into the blood, thereby poisoning the woman’s body. Through the plasma they reach the main vital organs (liver, kidneys, brain), the patient experiences acute pathological condition.

Why don't all women who use tampons during their periods suffer from TSS? The thing is that most adults have already encountered similar bacteria or microorganisms at least once in their lives and have developed antibodies to toxins.

That is why toxic shock syndrome in most cases is observed in adolescents and girls under 30 years of age.

The first signs of TSS resemble the common flu:

• increased body temperature (above 39 degrees);
• horse racing blood pressure;
• convulsions;
• dizziness and loss of consciousness;
• body aches.

Many patients think that they have caught a regular flu virus and begin active treatment colds, not understanding the seriousness of the situation. The insidiousness of toxic shock syndrome is that the disease develops rapidly. If you do not remove the tampon in time and do not seek medical help, you can get complications, even fatal outcome.

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When using tampons, the causes of toxic shock syndrome may include:

1. Violation of vaginal microflora, inflammatory processes.
2. Constant use of tampons, without alternating with pads.
3. Wrong choice of hygiene product. For example, a tampon that is too large swells very quickly, increases in size and injures the walls and mucous membrane of the vagina.
4. Using tampons at night. Gynecologists prohibit doing this.
5. Insufficient hygiene.

The tricky thing about TSS is that it can start suddenly even after long-term use tampons. Therefore, it is very important to visit a gynecologist at least once every six months so as not to miss this insidious disease.

First symptoms

TSS occurs very quickly during menstruation and always has sharp character. In the absence necessary treatment death may occur within 3–4 days.

That is why every girl who uses tampons should know the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome:

1. Low blood pressure. There is perspiration and pallor on the patient's face skin. It gets to the point where a woman cannot be in vertical position, loses consciousness.
2. Increased body temperature (39-40 degrees).
3. Nausea, vomiting, loose, foamy stools.
4. Muscle pain, cramps.
5. Redness of the throat mucosa.
6. The occurrence of conjunctivitis, souring of the eyes.
7. Small amount of urine.
8. Swelling of the genital organs.
9. Sharp pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region.
10. Difficulty breathing.
11. On days 4-5, red spots may appear on the skin, which look more like burns.
12. On days 7-14, the skin on the palms and soles begins to peel and peel off.
13. Development of sepsis.
14. Damage to the liver, kidneys, central nervous system.

This is important! If your stomach hurts, your temperature rises, or your blood pressure drops while using tampons, seek medical help immediately. In 80% of cases, the doctor will diagnose TSS. Don't wait accompanying symptoms and deterioration of the condition. On initial stage Toxic shock syndrome is highly treatable and complications are extremely rare.

Specific treatment for toxic shock syndrome

It is worth remembering that TSS is an insidious disease that progresses very quickly. Therefore, his treatment will be long and painful.

First aid for a woman who detects symptoms of TSS should be as follows:

1. Removing the tampon.
2. Ventilate the room so that there is access to oxygen.
3. Relief from constricting, closed clothing.
4. Bed rest.
5. Warm heating pad for your feet.
6. Call an ambulance.

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This disease can only be treated in a hospital under constant control doctors. Treatment is as follows:

1. Antibiotic therapy. It is aimed at combating the causative agent of the disease. Drugs are prescribed individually after passing a series of tests. The course is at least 10 days.
2. Sanitation of a bacterial focus. After removing the tampon, the woman mandatory examined by a doctor on a gynecological chair. The vagina is washed with a special solution; if large wounds or tissue damage are found, they are excised.
3. Infusion therapy. Aimed at restoring the right composition blood, remove the patient’s state of shock, and normalize the volume of fluid in the body. They use platelet mass, plasma injection, electrolytes, and often use blood transfusions.
4. Drugs that normalize blood pressure. As a rule, droppers are used to speed up the process.

If the patient has complications with the respiratory or cardiovascular system, it is necessary additional treatment. Doctors often resort to artificial ventilation of the lungs and the administration of immunoglobulin.

Prevention of the syndrome

Is it really impossible to avoid TSS when using tampons? To prevent this disease, doctors advise adhering to the following rules:

1. The time of using tampons should not exceed 4 hours. In this case, the risks of developing pathogenic bacteria are minimized. In isolated cases, the time can be increased to 8 hours. After this, be sure to wash yourself with gel. intimate hygiene To restore the vaginal microflora, wear a pad.
2. Do not use tampons at night.
3. Choose the right size hygiene product and its absorbency.
4. Alternate wearing tampons with pads.
5. Choose hygiene products of appropriate, proven quality. Make sure that the tampon does not contain genetically modified cotton, which is often used by manufacturers to reduce the cost of the product. If this component is present, the risk of developing staphylococcal toxins increases dramatically.
6. If after using a tampon there is itching, burning or redness in the vagina, it is better to avoid these hygiene products.

The life of a modern girl is designed in such a way that she always needs to be in shape, even during her period. Undoubtedly, tampons are simple and convenient to use, they are invisible under clothing and do not hinder movement. But, nevertheless, every girl, using these hygiene products, should know and use the rules that were described above. In this case, the risks of developing TSS are minimal.

Toxic shock syndrome is a severe multisystem condition of a person, distinctive feature which is suddenness. Given this pathological process There are sudden attacks of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Toxic shock syndrome from tampons is a rare phenomenon, but it occurs in medical practice. The disease is life-threatening, sudden signs pathological conditions can affect various organs and systems of the body, including the kidneys, liver and lungs. Therefore, in this situation, you should be vigilant and immediately begin drug treatment.

Not everyone knows what toxic shock is. This is a life-threatening condition that occurs under the influence of living organisms and biologically active substances(bacteria, viruses).

Wears a whole series pathological changes in the body, affecting all vital functions (breathing, blood clotting, circulation, nervous system). Develops against the background of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

Table No. 1. Bacterial and viral infections, which are a provoking factor for the development of toxic shock:

Type of microorganism	Representatives
	anthrax; dysentery; plague; meningococcal infection; typhoid fever.
	hemorrhagic fever; flu.

Important. In people over 60 years of age and in children, a state of shock may occur as a result of complications of chronic inflammatory processes caused by Aerobacter, Klebsiella, Bacteroides, Proteus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Tampons as a cause of the development of a pathological condition

As we have already explained, toxic shock is a shock condition provoked by the destructive effects of fungi, viruses and bacteria. In women, this condition is caused by a strain of staphylococcus.

Note that all mucous membranes in small quantity contain staphylococcus, so when using tampons during menstrual cycle a failure may occur, and the bacteria will begin to actively produce toxins (see).

And blood and oxygen are the components that are vital for staphylococcal bacteria. Toxic shock from tampons also threatens our body.

Provoking factors

Shock syndrome is mainly the result of negative impact bacteria:

• streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci);
• staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus).

These bacteria are the most common and often cause infection of the upper respiratory tract and skin. The treatment proceeds without complications, in in rare cases they fall into circulatory system and cause a characteristic reaction immune cells blood. This reaction causes symptoms of toxic shock.

Table No. 2. Causes of damage by streptococci and staphylococci:

Genus of bacteria	Reason for defeat
	In frequent cases, it appears after childbirth, chickenpox, flu, surgical interventions, for cuts.
	Causes syndrome state of shock, is divided into types: menstrual syndrome (with prolonged use of tampons); nonmenstrual syndrome (after operations, using dressings).

The main risk factors include:

• use of tampons;
• presence of wounds and burns;
• sepsis occurring after childbirth;
• infection during surgery;
• closed wounds (for example, in the ears or nose);
• intravenous drug use;
• HIV or AIDS infections;
• sinusitis;
• tracheitis;
• allergic contact dermatitis.

Interesting fact. Cases of toxic shock from the use of tampons appeared in the early 80s. Scientists conducted a series of observations and came to the conclusion that it was tampons that caused the development of shock and in 16% of cases led to death. Despite the fact that a direct relationship between the use of tampons and the pathological condition has not been established, the instructions for the hygiene product from all tampon manufacturers indicate the likelihood of TSS.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of toxic shock is characterized by entry into the bloodstream large number toxins released by bacteria as a result of their vital activity. This circumstance is characterized by a sharp release of cytoxins, adrenaline and other biologically active substances, which contribute to the appearance of spasm of post-capillary arterioles and venules.

In this case, the blood no longer fulfills its direct purpose, and as a result, tissue hypoxia develops, which contributes to the development metabolic acidosis. This condition is the cause of TSS symptoms.

Classification of shock conditions

In medical practice, there are several types of shock.

Table No. 3. Classification of shock states:

Name of the shock state	Description
Toxic-septic shock	Occurs due to exposure to toxins cardiovascular system, brain, liver, kidneys, lungs. In this case, an anaphylactic type reaction occurs. For similar condition characterized by two phases: Hyperdynamic. Hypodynamic. As a result of toxic-septic shock, dysfunction of vital organs appears, which requires immediate assistance emergency care and conducting intensive care.
Endotoxic shock	The risk group includes urological patients over 60 years of age with concomitant diseases, such as: diabetes mellitus; chronic pulmonary failure; chronic heart failure; latent hepatopathy. This condition is a severe complication of the inflammatory process. Mortality accounts for 70% of all cases. Provocateurs are gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Endotoxic (bacteremic) shock is a consequence of exacerbation of urosepsis.
Exotoxic shock	Occurs against the background of acute heart failure, accompanied by certain severe forms intoxication of the toxicogenic phase. Symptoms develop as a result of acute chemical influence, characterized by a violation metabolic function, nervous regulation and dysfunction of almost all vital organs. The causes of exotoxic shock include: intoxications resulting from the use of wound cauterizing agents; poisoning with chlorinated carbohydrates; intoxications caused by taking psychotropic drugs and organophosphate insecticides.
Bacterial toxic shock	This condition is caused by an acute reaction of the body to the sudden penetration of bacteria and toxic products into the blood. In gynecology, bacteriotoxic shock occurs after abortion and after thrombophlebitis of the hip veins. Currently, cases of shock developing after the administration of antibiotics have been recorded. wide range application, or administration of penicillin in large doses. Shock may also be caused by intravenous administration non-sterile solutions, blood and blood substitutes.

Symptoms

Toxic shock causes sudden appearance characteristic symptoms, are distinguished by suddenness. Signs of shock depend on the severity of the pathological condition and the cause contributing to the onset of shock.

Shock phases

In medical practice, toxic shock is divided into three phases:

1. Compensated.
2. Subcompensated.
3. Decompensated.

Table No. 4. Phases of toxic shock:

Toxic shock phase	Description of symptoms
Compensated shock	The patient has clarity of consciousness, but at the same time there is motor restlessness, an inexplicable feeling of anxiety, rapid breathing, increased heart rate(up to 120 beats per minute).
Subcompensated shock	Patients become lethargic, depressed, and apathetic. The skin is pale and the extremities are cold. A decrease in body temperature to subnormal prevails. Shortness of breath, tachycardia (up to 160 beats per minute), and low blood pressure appear. Anuria, a blood clotting disorder, may develop. Gastrointestinal bleeding is possible.
Decompensated shock	This phase is considered the most difficult. The patient is in complete prostration, cramps in the limbs, shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure, threadlike pulse, anuria. In some cases, patients fall into a comatose state.

Signs of toxic shock

The nature of the manifestation of symptoms depends on the cause of shock and the severity of the pathological condition. Often, a state of shock leads to death within 2 days after blood intoxication.

Signs of streptococcal nonmenstrual syndrome develop:

• in women after childbirth, a few days later;
• in persons with infected postoperative wounds;
• in people with respiratory infections.

Signs of staphylococcal menstrual syndrome develop in women as a result of using tampons during the menstrual cycle. Symptoms appear after 3 days.

Symptoms of staphylococcal nonmenstrual syndrome occur within 12 hours after surgery where surgical dressings were used, such as nasal surgery.

Table No. 5. Symptoms of toxic shock:

Attention. The symptoms of toxic shock are very similar to those of a severe case of the flu. Therefore, it is very important to understand that if symptoms begin to progress, you should immediately contact medical institution. Only a doctor can recognize the signs of toxic shock and provide qualified assistance to the patient.

Complications

Toxic shock can lead to the most serious complications. This:

• acute pulmonary failure;
• necrosis of tissues of internal organs;
• multiple vein thrombosis;
• renal failure, up to complete kidney failure.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Due to the fact that shock syndrome develops very rapidly, treatment is carried out in accordance with the existing symptoms, without waiting for test results. First of all, a powder is prescribed to remove toxins from the body. After laboratory diagnostics complex drug treatment is prescribed.

Diagnostics

If toxic shock is suspected, several types of diagnostics are prescribed.

Table No. 6. Types of diagnostics:

Type of examination	Description
Full clinical analysis blood	It is carried out to determine the number of red and white blood cells, platelets, leukocytes, and erythrocytes.
Culture of blood, organ tissues, mucous membranes	It is carried out in order to recognize the type of bacteria that contributed to the development of the shock state. During a woman's menstrual cycle, a culture of vaginal fluid is taken.
Fluorography	Determines signs of lung damage, identifies possible syndrome pulmonary failure.
Laboratory tests to determine other infections	They are carried out to identify possible infections that contribute to the development of shock. For example: blood sepsis; American tick-borne rickettsiosis (transmitted by ticks); typhoid fever.

Depending on the nature of the shock state and accompanying symptoms, additional laboratory tests may be prescribed.

Treatment

First of all, exposure to the toxin should be excluded (see). If the cause of TSS is a tampon, it must be removed immediately; if it is contraceptives, then be sure to notify your doctor so that medical conditions carry out extraction.

The treatment regimen consists of several stages:

1. The site of infection is thoroughly cleaned disinfectants, or this procedure carried out at lung help surgical intervention.
2. From the first days of visiting a doctor, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed to destroy pathogenic bacteria. The period of taking antibiotics is at least 10 days.
3. Intravenous infusion of immunoglobulin. Prescribed for the purpose of recovery immune function body.
4. Powder is prescribed for intoxication. The product promotes rapid elimination pathogenic toxins from the blood.

With timely treatment, the patient's condition improves within 3 days.

Attention. If a woman has experienced TSS from tampons once, then the next time during her menstrual cycle she should stop wearing them and use pads. After all, taking risks in this case is quite dangerous. We must not forget what the price of your life depends on.

Many ladies use tampons; this hygiene product allows them to feel comfortable and comfortable in special period their lives. You should not immediately succumb to general panic and believe that a terrible intoxication shock awaits you.

Simple rules of hygiene in critical days reduce this risk by millions of times. The video presented in this article will allow our readers to familiarize themselves in more detail with clinical picture tampon toxic shock syndrome.

Description:

Toxic shock is rare and often a life-threatening condition that develops suddenly after infection and can immediately affect multiple organ systems, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Symptoms:

Symptoms develop quickly and can cause death within 2 days. The first signs usually include:

      *Such severe symptoms, similar to, like muscle pain and pain, stomach cramps, or.
      *Sudden increase in temperature above 38.9 C.
      *Vomiting and .
      *Signs of shock include low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat, often with dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, or dysphoria and confusion.
      *Redness similar to sunburn. Redness may appear in several parts of the body or in specific areas, such as the armpits or groin.
      * Severe pain at the site of infection (if there is a wound or damage to the skin).
      *Redness of the nasal passages and mouth.

Other symptoms of toxic shock may include:

      *Conjunctivitis (redness).
      *Involvement of more than one organ system, usually the lungs or kidneys.
      *Blood poisoning (sepsis), which affects the entire body.
      *Death of skin tissue (necrosis), which appears at the beginning of the syndrome.
      *Peeling of skin tissue that appears during recovery.

Symptoms of toxic shock vary in severity depending on the action of streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria.

Causes:

Toxic shock is rarely the result of infection with the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) or Staphylococcus aureus(staphylococcus). These bacteria produce toxins that cause toxic shock. These bacteria are common but usually do not cause problems. They can cause easily treated throat or skin infections, such as a sore throat or. In rare cases, toxins enter the bloodstream and cause severe immune reaction in people whose bodies do not fight these toxins. The body's response causes symptoms associated with toxic shock.

      *Streptococcal toxic shock often appears after childbirth, flu, chickenpox, surgery, small skin wounds or wounds that cause but do not violate the integrity of the skin.
      *Staphylococcal toxic shock often occurs after prolonged use of tampons (menstrual toxic shock) or after a surgical procedure such as nasal surgery using a dressing (nonmenstrual toxic shock).

Treatment:

For treatment the following is prescribed:

Emergency treatment often requires intravenous plasma volume resuscitation and intensive care in the hospital, especially when the body is in shock. Further treatment includes antibiotics to kill bacteria, removal of any source of infection, and treatment of any complications. Unless there are other complications, most people recover within 2 weeks when treated with antibiotics.

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Toxic shock syndrome

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome -

Toxic shock syndrome- an acute and severe multisystem disease characterized by sudden onset high fever, hypotension, vomiting, diarrhea, erythematous skin rashes that peel off during recovery, and damage to multiple organs.

Toxic shock syndrome is rare and often a life-threatening illness that develops suddenly after infection and can immediately affect multiple organ systems, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Because toxic shock syndrome progresses rapidly, immediate medical treatment is necessary.

What triggers / Causes of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Toxic shock syndrome is rarely the result of bacterial infection Streptococcus pyogenes(group A streptococcus) or Staphylococcus aureus(staphylococcus). These bacteria produce toxins causing the syndrome toxic shock. These bacteria are common but usually do not cause problems. They can cause easily treatable throat or skin infections, such as a sore throat or impetigo. In rare cases, toxins enter the bloodstream and cause a strong immune response in people whose bodies do not fight the toxins. The body's response causes symptoms associated with toxic shock syndrome.

Often appears after childbirth, flu, chicken pox, surgery, small cuts to the skin, wounds or bruises that cause bruising but do not break the integrity of the skin.

Often appears after prolonged use of tampons (menstrual toxic shock syndrome) or after a surgical procedure such as nasal surgery using a dressing (nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome).

Pathogenesis (what happens?) during Toxic Shock Syndrome:

The immune reaction leading to toxic shock syndrome is usually due to a lack of specific antibodies against streptococcal or staphylococcal toxins. Young people may not have such antibodies.

Outbreaks of toxic shock syndrome may appear in hospitals and medical institutions for chronically ill patients, where people live in close proximity to each other.

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

The rapid development of symptoms is one of the most important symptoms that may require immediate treatment for toxic shock syndrome.

Symptoms of toxic shock vary in severity depending on the type of streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop quickly and can cause death within 2 days.

The first signs of toxic shock syndrome usually include:
- Severe flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and pain, stomach cramps, headache or sore throat.
- Sudden rise in temperature above 38.9 C.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Signs of shock, including low blood pressure and rapid heart rate, often with dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, or dysphoria and confusion.
- Redness similar to sunburn. Redness may appear in several parts of the body or in specific areas, such as the armpits or groin.
- Severe pain at the site of infection (if there is a wound or damage to the skin).
- Redness of the nasal passages and mouth.

Other symptoms of toxic shock syndrome may include:
- Conjunctivitis (redness).
- Involvement of more than one organ system, usually the lungs or kidneys.
- Blood poisoning (sepsis), which affects the entire body.
- Death of skin tissue (necrosis), which appears at the beginning of the syndrome.
- Peeling of skin tissue that appears during recovery.

Streptococcal nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome.
Symptoms usually develop:
- In women who have recently given birth, 2-3 days or several weeks after birth.
- In people with infected surgical wounds, 2 days - 1 week after surgery.
- In people with respiratory diseases 2-6 weeks after the onset of respiratory symptoms.

Staphylococcal menstrual toxic shock syndrome. Symptoms usually develop 3-5 days after the start of menstruation when a woman uses tampons.

Staphylococcal nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome. Symptoms usually develop within 12 hours after surgery, in which surgical dressings are used, for example, after rhinoplasty.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome may suddenly affect several various systems organs, including lungs, kidneys and liver.

Redness similar to a sunburn may also appear early in the disease. Redness usually appears after 7-14 days on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Toxic shock syndrome occurs less frequently in children compared to adults.

Dangerous complications of toxic shock syndrome include:
- Shock, abbreviation circulation of blood and oxygen in vital organs.
- Acute syndrome respiratory failure. Lung function decreases, it becomes difficult to breathe, and oxygen levels in the blood drop.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. This disease is caused by a blood clotting factor. Many blood clots can form throughout the body. This may cause excessive bleeding.
- Kidney failure, also called terminal stage renal failure. - Kidney failure occurs when kidney damage is so severe that treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant is necessary to prevent death.

Talk to your doctor about possible complications if you have had multiple menstrual toxic shock syndromes.

Diagnosis of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Because toxic shock syndrome progresses rapidly, it is usually diagnosed and treated based on symptoms and signs of infection without waiting for laboratory test results. Additional Analysis blood and tissue tests can help determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.

Typically, by the time a person with toxic shock syndrome sees a doctor, the disease progresses rapidly and the person feels very unwell. Shock usually needs to be treated before any test results are available.

If medical worker If you suspect you have toxic shock syndrome, you will undergo several types of tests, including:
- Complete clinical blood test- counting red and white blood cells, platelets and other basic indicators of your blood.
- Cultures of blood and other fluids and tissues body for signs of streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria. For menstrual toxic shock syndrome, a sample of vaginal fluid is tested. For nonmenstrual toxic shock syndrome, a swab or tissue sample is taken from a suspected lesion or other damaged area of ​​the body. Blood culture usually does not detect staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome when it is present, but streptococcus may be detected in a blood sample or cerebrospinal fluid or by tissue biopsy. Cultures from the throat, vagina, or saliva may also reveal bacteria.
- Fluorography to look for signs of lung damage (respiratory distress syndrome).
- Tests to detect other infections which can cause symptoms similar to those of toxic shock syndrome, such as blood poisoning (sepsis), a tick-borne bacterial infection (American tick-borne rickettsiosis), a bacterial infection caused by contact with the urine of an infected animal (leptospirosis), or typhoid fever.

Sometimes other tests are needed, depending on how the disease has progressed and what problems it has caused.

Treatment of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Emergency treatment often requires intravenous plasma volume resuscitation and intensive care in the hospital, especially when the body is in shock. Further treatment includes antibiotics to kill the bacteria, removal of any source of infection, and treatment of any complications. Unless there are other complications, most people recover within 2 weeks when treated with antibiotics.

If you think you have toxic shock syndrome, call your doctor right away. If you have symptoms of shock such as severe weakness, dizziness or loss of consciousness, call an ambulance immediately. Because toxic shock syndrome can cause life-threatening complications, you may need to be treated in a hospital where your condition can be closely monitored.

By the time a person with toxic shock syndrome sees a doctor, it usually takes emergency treatment. Because toxic shock syndrome can progress very quickly and be life-threatening, treatment is almost always done in a hospital, where the patient's condition is closely monitored. Treatment for shock or organ failure is usually necessary before the results of any tests are known. Admission to intensive care is usually necessary when a patient shows signs of shock or trouble breathing (respiratory failure).

Treatment for streptococcal or staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome includes:
- Removing the source of infection. If a woman uses tampons, a diaphragm or a contraceptive sponge, they should be removed immediately. Infected wounds usually cleared of bacteria. Your doctor may give you an injection to numb the area so that you can use a scalpel or scissors to remove dead or severely infected tissue. It's called surgical treatment wounds. Once the source of infection is removed, the patient's condition often improves quickly.
- Treatment of complications of the disease, including low blood pressure, shock and organ failure. The specifics of treatment depend on what problem arose. The administration of large amounts of intravenous fluid is usually used to replace fluid losses due to vomiting, diarrhea and fever in order to avoid complications in the form of low blood pressure and shock.
- Antibiotics to kill bacteria that produce toxins that cause toxic shock syndrome. Clindamycin stops the production of toxins and immediately treats symptoms. Other medications such as cloxacillin or cefazolin may be added when laboratory tests specific streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria were detected. Staphylococcus aureus strains may be resistant to drugs such as cloxacillin and cefazolin, which are widely used around the world. These staphylococcal strains are called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Other antibiotics may be needed to kill these bacteria. These antibiotics include vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, or tigecycline.

With timely treatment and absence serious complications most patients recover within 1-2 weeks.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome has a mortality rate of about 50%. This may be because streptococcal toxic shock syndrome can be difficult to identify until serious complications such as blood poisoning (sepsis) or a rare bacterial infection that destroys the skin (necrotizing fasciitis) occur.

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome is serious, but leads to death in only 5% of people who are not diagnosed and treated correctly.

Toxic shock syndrome is a rapidly progressive, life-threatening illness that cannot be treated at home. If you think you may have toxic shock syndrome, seek medical help immediately.

Antibiotics are used to treat toxic shock syndrome. The sooner therapy begins, the less possible complications may arise. Antibiotics are used for as long as needed, depending on the streptococcal or staph bacteria and the severity of the symptoms.

Antibiotics may also help prevent recurrent episodes of toxic shock syndrome.

Intravenous immunoglobulin administration may be used when toxic shock syndrome is severe or the patient's condition does not improve after taking antibiotics. IV immune globulin works differently than antibiotics. It contains antibodies that can help the body remove specific toxins that cause toxic shock syndrome. But experts have not determined whether intravenous immune globulin is effective in treating toxic shock syndrome.

Your doctor can give you medicine for blood pressure, which will help your organs function better.

For toxic shock syndrome caused by staphylococcal bacteria, surgery is rarely required but is part of the necessary treatment. In some cases surgical removal infected tissue leads to a significant improvement in the patient's condition. For example, surgery may be necessary when:
- Toxic shock syndrome developed after surgery and surgical suture must be drained and cleaned to remove the source of infection.
- Streprococcal bacteria cause necrotizing fasciitis – bacterial infection, which destroys the skin, and dead tissue and toxins produced by bacteria must be removed.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with necrotizing fasciitis progresses rapidly and is life-threatening, so it is necessary to emergency surgery to remove the source of infection.

In the hospital, you may need intravenous fluids and simple protein to replace what your body has lost.

Prevention of Toxic Shock Syndrome:

You can take the following steps to prevent toxic shock syndrome:
- Do not use tampons or barrier contraceptives during the first 12 weeks after birth, when the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome is high.
- Follow the instructions on the package when inserting tampons, diaphragms or contraceptive sponges. Change your tampons at least every 8 hours, or only use tampons a few hours a day. Do not leave the diaphragm or contraceptive sponge in for more than 12-18 hours.
- Keep all skin wounds clean to prevent infection and promote healing. This includes cuts, punctures, scrapes, burns, insect or animal bites, and surgical stitches.
- Do not allow children to scratch chickenpox sores.
- If you have already had menstrual toxic shock syndrome, do not use tampons, barrier contraceptives such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, sponge, or intrauterine device(Navy).

Careful use of tampons, diaphragm and contraceptive sponge
- Follow package directions when inserting tampons, diaphragms, and contraceptive sponges.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before inserting or removing tampons, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges.
- Change tampons at least every 8 hours or use tampons only a few hours a day. Do not leave the diaphragm and contraceptive sponge inside for more than 12-18 hours.
- As an alternative to tampons, use pads. For example, use pads at night and tampons during the day.
- Use tampons with a lower absorbency rate than you need. The risk of toxic shock syndrome is highest when using superabsorbent tampons.

Caring for skin wounds to prevent skin infections
- Keep all skin wounds clean to prevent infection and promote healing. Skin damage, including cuts, burns, bruises, insect and animal bites, chickenpox sores, and surgical stitches.
- Make sure children do not scratch chickenpox sores.

Preventing streptococcal infections during pregnancy or after childbirth

Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth have increased risk developing streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, especially if one of her children has a sore throat. Any pregnant or postpartum woman with a baby who is showing signs of a sore throat should talk to her gynecologist or obstetrician.

Which doctors should you contact if you have Toxic Shock Syndrome:

Is something bothering you? Do you want to know more detailed information about Toxic Shock Syndrome, its causes, symptoms, methods of treatment and prevention, the course of the disease and diet after it? Or do you need an inspection? You can make an appointment with a doctor– clinic Eurolab always at your service! The best doctors they will examine you and study you external signs and will help you identify the disease by symptoms, advise you and provide necessary help and make a diagnosis. You can also call a doctor at home. Clinic Eurolab open for you around the clock.

How to contact the clinic:
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Hygienic tampons save many girls during their periods, allowing them to wear any clothes or dance without feeling discomfort. But many gynecologists are against regularly wearing these hygiene products, as they are associated with various disorders, for example, inflammation of the vagina, dysbiosis, thrush and others. Toxic shock syndrome from tampons is one of the most unpleasant consequences, so every girl should know why it occurs and how to avoid it.

TSS (toxic shock syndrome) is an acute pathological condition that occurs abruptly due to severe intoxication of the body. It develops quickly, within a few hours the symptoms become critical and complications in the functioning of the kidneys and liver may appear.

The occurrence of TSS is associated with a developing infection, and pathogenic organisms can be bacteria: streptococci, staphylococci, as well as some protozoa, for example, malarial plasmodium. Toxic shock syndrome develops due to the release of large amounts of toxic waste from microorganisms into the human bloodstream. Toxin molecules enter the tissues of the kidneys, liver and brain, and then an acute condition begins.

TSS has clear symptoms that require a person to be taken to hospital immediately:

• severe chills;
• a sharp increase in temperature to 39-40 degrees;
• nausea or vomiting;
• problems with stool (diarrhea, diarrhea);
• decreased blood pressure due to dehydration;
• muscle aches and cramps;
• swollen tongue;
• rash, redness of the palms and soles;
• impaired concentration and coordination;
• foggy thoughts, loss of consciousness;
• blood from the nose;
• change in skin color and white of the eyes due to liver intoxication.

In the first hours the patient with similar symptoms need to provide medical care, because activated carbon or other sorbents will not cope with so many toxins.

On days 4-14, the victim experiences sensory disturbances in the fingers and transient paralysis. vocal cords, and in severe cases, kidney damage is acute tubular necrosis and renal failure.

TSS when using tampons

Toxic shock often develops when wearing tampons, which are designed to maintain vaginal hygiene and protect it. This happens because staphylococci or streptococci begin to develop on the blood-moistened surface of these hygiene products. How do they get there? Lives on every person's skin huge amount bacteria, and some of them may be pathogens dangerous diseases, For example, Staphylococcus aureus. But they become pathogenic only when they multiply uncontrolled or after getting into wounds.

Toxic shock syndrome in a girl when wearing tampons can occur due to the following reasons:

• untimely change of hygiene products;
• choosing a tampon that is too large, which, when swollen with blood, causes inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
• if the girl already has problems with the vaginal microflora, and the body cannot protect itself from pathogenic microorganisms.

TSS may not occur immediately; often before this pathological condition, for several days or months, the woman’s microflora composition is disrupted, the vaginal mucosa becomes inflamed, and discomfort appears when inserting a tampon.

When toxic waste from multiplied pathogenic bacteria begins to enter a woman's bloodstream, she develops symptoms of TSS. They are especially pronounced in the first days of menstruation, since during this period the body is weakened.

Diagnosis of TSS

Diagnosis in the case of developed toxic shock syndrome consists of a urine and blood test for the presence of bacteria themselves and their metabolic products; it is also necessary to take a smear from the vagina for bacterial culture, and to collect tissue from the cervix.

These diagnostic measures will help determine the type of pathogenic bacteria, and without this information it is impossible to carry out treatment properly. A urine and blood test will help determine not only the amount of toxins that have entered the body, but will also show the condition of the liver and kidneys. If the first organ is damaged, there will be more bilirubin in the blood, and if the function of the second organ is impaired, the glucose content in the urine will increase and the amount of salts will decrease.

Treatment of TSS

Treatment of toxic shock syndrome is complex and painful, because it is accompanied by unpleasant intravenous injections antibiotics, constant drips to cleanse body fluids and other procedures. Therapy can only be carried out in a hospital setting under the constant supervision of a doctor.

To neutralize toxic shock and prevent its reoccurrence, it is necessary to cope with the cause of the pathological condition - bacteria. Superficial antibiotics should not be introduced into the vagina, as they will not only disrupt the composition of the microflora, but can also leave burns.

Oral antibacterial drugs are also ineffective in the case of TSS, since they will take a long time to “get” to their destination.

In case of toxic shock syndrome after using tampons, a woman is prescribed a course of intravenous injections of an antibiotic selected based on test results. In addition to such medicines, a course of gamma globulin injections is often prescribed to maintain protective system body. This drug will control the functioning of white blood cells and stimulate them to destroy bacteria.

When using antibiotics, we must not forget about prebiotics, without which, after treatment, the composition of a woman’s intestinal and vaginal microflora will significantly deteriorate. Start a course of drugs with beneficial bacteria necessary 3-4 days after starting antibiotics, so as not to burden the liver.

Complementary therapy

In case of TSS, it is necessary to cleanse the blood of toxic substances. For this, active sorbents are used, and the girl is also given IVs with saline several times a day. We must also not forget that toxic shock syndrome often leads to sharp decline blood pressure, this is especially dangerous for the blood vessels of the brain, so it is necessary to take drugs that eliminate hypotension.

One of the main factors effective treatment TSS – bed rest and constant calm, since intense exercise, stress and lack of sleep will only increase intoxication of the body and also lead to complications.

Complications of TSS

In the body, the main blood-filtering “stations” are the kidneys and liver, so they become the main victims of toxic shock syndrome. They keep inside large number toxic substances, their cells begin to die. Without timely treatment and with heavy loads on the body, a person develops kidney or liver failure, which are manifested by disruption of the functioning of these organs. In this case, the girl experiences yellowing of the skin and white of the eye, a decrease in the amount of urine and a more intense color, pain in the lumbar region and right hypochondrium.

Toxins are dangerous not only for the kidneys and liver, they settle in large quantities in the heart muscle, which passes through all the body’s blood in less than a minute, and in the brain tissues, which are abundantly supplied with blood. In this case, heart failure occurs - sharp pains in the chest on the left, pressure decreases, mental activity is disrupted.

How to Reduce Your Risk of TSS

To reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome when using tampons, you should: simple rules wearing these hygiene products:

• tampons need to be changed every 4 hours so that a large number of pathogenic bacteria do not develop on them;
• the maximum time to wear a tampon is 8 hours, but after that you need to wash yourself thoroughly using intimate hygiene gel;
• You should use tampons only when necessary (when going to the pool, playing intense sports: athletics, dancing, etc.);
• It is important to choose the right tampon size and degree of absorbency.

By observing these preventive measures, a girl can significantly reduce her risk of TSS. But many gynecologists recommend abandoning tampons altogether in favor of regular sanitary pads, and there are several reasons for this.

Firstly, when inserting even a freshly unpacked hygiene product, a girl can introduce bacteria into the vagina from the skin, from the air, or from the surface of the tampon itself, which is not sterilized. Secondly, a tampon soaked in blood begins to rub the vaginal mucosa, causing inflammation and microtraumas, which can easily become infected.

Who is at risk

The following categories of users are at risk of developing TSS while using tampons:

• girls with inflammatory processes in the reproductive system;
• girls with disturbances in the composition of the vaginal microflora, as well as those suffering from thrush or STDs;
• owners of weak immunity;
• those who use tampons for longer than the permitted time or do not observe hygiene rules after using them.

Toxic shock syndrome when using tampons occurs due to the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the vagina, which release toxic waste into the body. This pathological condition is dangerous for the health of many organs and even for human life, so it is necessary to follow the rules of wearing tampons or completely abandon them.