What is Toxic Shock Syndrome? And how do you tell if you have it?

Answer 1

TSS is a condition often associated with the use of tampons. it is usually accompanied by a high fever...there was an outbreak a few years back, but the tampon companies seemed to fix the problem by changing the materials used. it is very rare. if you go to tampx.com there is a whole section on the condition that should answer all your questions

Answer 2

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS was originally linked to the use of tampons, but it is now also known to be associated with the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm birth control methods. In rare cases, TSS has resulted from wounds or surgery incisions where bacteria have been able to enter the body and cause the infection.

Symptoms:
Fever greater than 102°F
Rash (The rash of toxic shock syndrome is a red sunburn like rash that covers most of the body. It is flat, not raised, and turns white if pressed. The rash may be difficult to see in dark-skinned people. Redness of the eyes, the lips, and the tongue [strawberry tongue] may also occur.)
Headache (very common)
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Cough
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea (profuse and watery)
Abdominal pain
Lightheadness or fainting (especially on standing up)
Confusion or disorientation
Low blood pressure

Answer 3

What is toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, often life-threatening illness that develops suddenly after an infection and can rapidly affect several different organ systems, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver. Since toxic shock syndrome progresses quickly, immediate medical treatment is needed.

What causes toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is the rare result of infection by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) or Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) bacteria. These bacteria produce toxins that don't affect most people. However, people who haven't developed an immunity to these toxins can have a severe reaction to them, resulting in toxic shock syndrome. 1

Strep TSS most often occurs after childbirth, the flu (influenza), chickenpox, surgery, minor skin cuts or wounds, or injuries that cause bruising but may not break the skin.
Staph TSS most often occurs after prolonged use of a tampon (menstrual TSS) or after a surgical procedure, such as nose surgery using packing bandages (nonmenstrual TSS).
What are the symptoms?

TSS symptoms develop quickly and can become life-threatening within 2 days. First signs of TSS usually include:

Severe flulike symptoms, such as muscle aches and pain, stomach cramps, headache, or a sore throat.
Sudden fever over 102° (38.89°).
Vomiting and diarrhea.
Signs of shock, including low blood pressure and rapid heartbeat, often with lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, or restlessness and confusion.
Sunburnlike rash.
Pain at the site of an infection (if a wound or injury to the skin is involved).
Redness in the nasal passages and inside the mouth.
Other TSS symptoms that may follow include:

Conjunctivitis (pinkeye).
Involvement of more than one organ system, most commonly the lungs and kidneys.
Blood infection (sepsis) that affects the entire body.
Skin tissue death (necrosis), which occurs early in the syndrome.
Skin tissue shedding (desquamation), which occurs during recovery.
Toxic shock symptoms vary slightly depending on the strep or staph bacteria involved.

How is toxic shock syndrome diagnosed?

Because it progresses so quickly, toxic shock syndrome is usually diagnosed and treated based on symptoms without waiting for laboratory results. Additional blood and tissue tests can help identify the type of bacterium causing the infection.

How is it treated?

Emergency treatment often requires intravenous fluid replacement and hospital intensive care, particularly when the body has gone into shock. Further treatment involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria involved, removing any source of infection, and treating any complications. If there are no major complications, most people recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks with antibiotic treatment.

If you think you have toxic shock syndrome, call your health professional immediately. If you have symptoms of shock, such as severe weakness, dizziness, or light-headedness, immediately seek emergency medical care. Since TSS can cause life-threatening complications, you will most likely need treatment in a hospital where your condition can be closely monitored.

Answer 4

Don't worry, you don't have to tell. If you have it you will be in no condition to say anything. It is the group of doctors taking care of you who have to say whether you have it.
It is a condition produced typically by the Staphylococcus aureus. Produces a shock with severe infection signs