TSS~ Toxic Shock Syndrome
What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome? If you're a girl who's had her period, you may have heard frightening stories about toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a serious illness originally linked to the use of tampons. But TSS isn't strictly related to tampons. The contraceptive sponge and the diaphragm, two types of birth control methods, have been linked to TSS. And, sometimes, the infection has occurred as a result of wounds or surgery, where the skin has been broken, allowing bacteria to enter.
TSS is a systemic illness, which means that it affects the whole body. It can be caused by one of two different types of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes — although toxic shock is rare the Streptococcus bacteria is rarer. These bacteria can produce document.write(deftoxins60) toxins. In some people whose bodies can't fight these toxins, the immune system reacts. This reaction causes the symptoms associated with TSS.
When people think of TSS, they often think of tampon use. That's because the earliest cases of the illness, back in the late 1970s, were related to superabsorbent tampons. Research led to better tampons and better habits for using them — such as changing tampons more often. The number of TSS cases dropped dramatically. Today about half of all TSS cases are linked to menstruation.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Symptoms of TSS occur suddenly. Because it's an illness that is caused by a toxin, many of the body's organ systems are affected.
The signs and symptoms of TSS include:
TSS is a systemic illness, which means that it affects the whole body. It can be caused by one of two different types of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes — although toxic shock is rare the Streptococcus bacteria is rarer. These bacteria can produce document.write(deftoxins60) toxins. In some people whose bodies can't fight these toxins, the immune system reacts. This reaction causes the symptoms associated with TSS.
When people think of TSS, they often think of tampon use. That's because the earliest cases of the illness, back in the late 1970s, were related to superabsorbent tampons. Research led to better tampons and better habits for using them — such as changing tampons more often. The number of TSS cases dropped dramatically. Today about half of all TSS cases are linked to menstruation.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Symptoms of TSS occur suddenly. Because it's an illness that is caused by a toxin, many of the body's organ systems are affected.
The signs and symptoms of TSS include:
- high fever (greater than 102° F [38.8° C])
- rapid drop in blood pressure (with lightheadedness or fainting)
- sunburn-like rash that can be anywhere on the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
- vomiting or diarrhea
- severe muscle aches or weakness
- bright red coloring of the eyes, mouth, throat, and vagina
- headache, confusion, disorientation, or seizures
- kidney and other organ failure
Just remember to change your tampon often and dont use an absorbancy that is to high for your flow.