Despite its discovery related to women’s products, men and children can acquire the syndrome because common staph bacteria cause it. Although staph is present in healthy people in the moist surfaces of the body, like mucous membranes in the nose or vagina, the bacteria become toxic when it gets into the bloodstream through cuts, abrasions or open wounds and releases toxins.
The symptoms of the disease have been described in medical journals as early as the 1920s, although it only became a formal diagnosis when high-absorbency tampons, used by the majority of women, were suspected of causing an outbreak of illnesses.
Further research into the issue has noted that the highly absorbent tampons may dry out and tear the vagina lining when removed, allowing the opportunistic staph germs an entry path. Other research blames the tampons themselves, noting that if left in too long, they become a bacteria breeding ground.
Although it’s rare, contraceptive sponges and diaphragms have been blamed for the onset of toxic shock syndrome in women.
For men and children, the syndrome develops from a strep or staph infection that takes advantage of wounds or weakened immune systems during flu season.
The subsequent uproar about toxic shock syndrome came under government regulatory scrutiny, and tampon manufacturers began to provide clearer instructions on their product’s use. That led to a drop from 814 reported cases in 1980 to about three in 1998. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer track the disease, but public inattention and indifference led to a resurgence in the early 2000s, when it was suspected that women no longer paid heed to tampon manufacturers' instructions not to use high-absorbency products overnight.
Non-menstrual related toxic shock syndrome accounts for roughly half of all reported cases. Most are traced to a burn, boil or insect bite that becomes infected. It’s a recurring illness -- an estimated 30 percent of sufferers will have the illness more than once.
Symptoms of Toxic Shock
Toxic shock syndrome can resemble the onset of any common cold or virus in the early stages. Here are 10 signs that you may have acquired the syndrome:
1) Chills
2) Aching muscles
3) A high fever ranging up to 104 degrees
4) Sore throat
5) Headache
6) Vomiting
7) Low blood pressure
8) Diarrhea
9) Fainting
10) Seizures
In severe cases, hallucinations or dizziness may occur, and a flat red rash that appears on the soles of the feet or palms is another telltale sign.
Unfortunately, toxic shock syndrome progresses rapidly, and many cases are discovered only when the symptoms become severe enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. Heart and lung failure can occur within days of acquiring the syndrome if left untreated.
Some symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, like a high fever and a sore throat, are so similar to those of flu and other common ailments that it's easy to dismiss it until the situation becomes serious. But toxic shock syndrome can progress very swiftly, and a victim may die of heart and lung failure within hours or days if it goes untreated.
TSS Treatment
When toxic shock syndrome is diagnosed, physicians usually treat it as a medical emergency, administering antibiotics and intravenous fluids. The goal is to raise the patient’s blood pressure, thereby warding off some of the effects of the infection. They may take a sample from the infection point of origin (if it can be identified) to see if it can be tested for toxic shock syndrome and obtain a blood sample. The blood sample is done to test for toxic shock syndrome and to monitor the kidneys and other vital organs that may be under stress from the infection.
During this period, medical staff may remove contraceptive devices, tampons or previous wound packing if you’ve tried to administer your own first aid. They also may drain the affected area of pus if an infection has developed.
Because the consequences of toxic shock syndrome are potentially fatal, those diagnosed with the syndrome will require a hospital stay. They may even be housed in the intensive care unit for several days, at least until doctors are sure that the worst of the infection’s symptoms have passed.
Avoiding TSS
Can toxic shock syndrome be avoided? One way to dodge it is to avoid using superabsorbent tampons when menstruating (look on the box for the Food and Drug Administration mandated rating).
Sanitary napkins are less risky when regularly changed. If tampons are a must, use ones with the lowest absorbency and alternate with panty liners and sanitary napkins. It’s a good idea to wash hands before and after inserting a tampon. Closely monitor the tampon, and switch to a lower absorbency if removal is difficult. Tampons should be changed every four to six hours, and no more than one at a time should be used.
Minor skin wounds should be treated immediately, and you should seek a medical professional’s advice if there is unusual pain, swelling or other excessive irritation at the site of the wound.
If you suspect that you’re developing toxic shock syndrome after using a tampon, take it out immediately to prevent further infiltration of staph germs. Then seek medical attention, particularly if you’ve had a previous episode of toxic shock syndrome.
Keep in mind that toxic shock syndrome, though real, is a rare disease. If you carefully monitor wounds for infection and are careful not to use super-absorbent tampons and don’t leave them in too long, you likely can avoid acquiring toxic shock syndrome.