Toxic Shock Syndrome
(TSS)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Toxic Shock Syndrome
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Your doctor will also order blood tests and may send a blood or tissue sample to a laboratory to be checked for bacteria. It is important to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Other tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may also be done.
Treating and Preventing Toxic Shock Syndrome
People with TSS need immediate intensive care. Any tampons or diaphragms must be removed from the vagina. The basis of treatment is replacing lost fluids, orally or intravenously, with a special mixture of liquids and electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium). Some people may need a machine called a ventilator to help them breathe. Medications to increase blood pressure may be needed.
Wounds and any source of infection will be rinsed with water. Infected wounds will be cleaned and infected tissue may be removed if needed.
Antibiotics are given intravenously (into a vein) as well, especially to reduce the risk of the infection recurring. Human antibodies (immunoglobulin) may also help for severe cases.
Luckily, toxic shock syndrome is less common now than it was in the 1980s, because the most dangerous tampons have been withdrawn from the market. Women can minimize their chances of getting TSS by:
- alternating between tampons and pads during heavy bleeding
- changing tampons every 4 to 6 hours
- observing good general hygiene, especially around the vagina
- removing the last tampon as soon as the menstrual bleeding ends
- wearing external pads at night
- using the least absorbent tampons possible
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Toxic-Shock-Syndrome
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