Toxic shock syndrome is a rare medical condition that can afflict both men and women. In certain cases this could also develop into a life threatening situation in some cases. Toxic shock syndrome is known to affect the entire body of the individual as it is a systemic medical condition. One of the primary causes of toxic shock syndrome is the presence of two different types of bacteria that are known to produce toxins. There have been cases where women are affected by toxic shock syndrome on account of the use of tampons especially the superabsorbent variants. This can be overcome by the development of better quality tampons as well as educating women on the need to change tampons regularly during menstruation. Some of the other causes of toxic shock syndrome are minor and related to skin infections such as chicken pox.
Toxic shock syndrome diagnosis has also been done in some individuals after they have given birth or after any surgical procedure. There are certain cases where the condition has resulted from the extended use of nasal packing that is typically used for nosebleeds. The signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are known to appear in an individual suddenly and without much of a warning and being a toxin this medical condition is known to directly affect the organs in the body. One of the major symptoms of toxic shock syndrome is a sudden or rapid decline in ones blood pressure which may be characterized with fainting or feeling lightheaded.
Some of the other signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include developing a high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, organ failure and seizures. A person suffering from toxic shock syndrome would also experience confusion, severe body ache and weakness, bright red coloring of the mouth, vagina, throat or eyes, as also a rash like development on the soles of the feet or the palms. Typically the signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome tend to appear in an individual only 2-3 days after they are actually infected. The toxic shock syndrome diagnosis is done on the basis of these signs and symptoms as well as a thorough physical examination of the patient.
Toxic shock syndrome diagnosis may also include blood cultures, blood tests as well as an evaluation of the functioning of the liver as well as the kidneys. Toxic shock syndrome treatment includes immediate removal of any foreign materials which may be in the form of wound dressings, contraceptive devices, tampons and so on. The medical treatment for toxic shock syndrome will also include putting the individual on intravenous fluids which will be instrumental in stabilizing the blood pressure of the individual. Medication could also be used for this purpose. Toxic shock syndrome treatment may also include the administration of antibiotics intravenously which is required to fight the infection caused by the bacteria. In some serious cases toxic shock syndrome treatment may also include surgical intervention for the removal of the dead tissues or abscess or even a dialysis if the person develops kidney failure.
People who have recently undergone a surgical procedure or have a skin wound should also take special protection against the development of any possible infection by the staph or strep bacteria. The bacteria are known to be one of the major causes of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome on account of the use of super absorbent tampons tends to occur because the superabsorbent fibers that are present in such tampons are known to scratch the surface of the vaginal walls. This provides the bacteria and the consequent toxins with a path to enter into the bloodstream of the individual.
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