Toxic Shock Syndrome Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Toxic shock syndrome is a serious medical condition. It is caused by the release of bacterial toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins are released by two bacteria, staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus pyogenes. Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency requiring immediate medical care or attention. It can affect anyone of any age including men, children and postmenopausal women. It is more common in women using absorbent tampons, menstrual cups and discs during menstrual cycle. It can also affect women using birth control devices such as sponge and the diaphragm. Women between the ages of 15-25 are at highest risk for developing toxic shock syndrome. The risk of toxic shock syndrome increases with any skin wounds, surgical incisions, burns and gynecological procedures because bacteria can enter into your body through these routes. 

Causes

Toxic shock syndrome is caused by the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream through any cut, wound, incision and burns. The bacteria release their toxins into the bloodstream and cause disease. The most common bacteria involved in causing toxic shock syndrome are staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus pyogenes. The Group A streptococcus bacteria can also cause the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome.

Symptoms

The clinical presentation of toxic shock syndrome varies from person to person. However, the most common symptoms are listed below,

• High fever (at least 102°F or 38.8°C)
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Confusion
• Muscle pain
• General weakness or tiredness
• Hypotension
• Nausea and vomiting
• Reddish or bloodshot eyes, throat or mouth
• Decrease urination
• Increased thirst
• Body seizures
• Flu like symptoms
• Difficulty breathing
• Dehydration
• Kidney failure

Treatment

Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. You have to be hospitalized for the treatment of toxic shock syndrome in most of the cases. Your doctor will give you intravenous antibiotics to fight the source of bacterial infection. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics are clindamycin, penicillin G with clindamycin, nafcillin, oxacillin or vancomycin. Intravenous fluid administration is given for stabilizing your blood pressure. Oxygen administration & mechanical ventilation is given to cope with difficult breathing. The medicines prescribed for the treatment of fevers include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen and indomethacin. In case of kidney failure, you may need dialysis. Gamma globulin injections can also be given to boost your body’s immune system. Surgical procedure may be used to drain the infection from your body. Your doctor will give you other supportive care depending upon the symptoms present.