Condition Basics
Condition Basics What is toxic shock syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare illness that happens suddenly after an infection. It quickly can harm several different organs, including the lungs (Figure 1) , the kidneys (Figure 2) , and the liver (Figure 3) . And it can be deadly. Since toxic shock syndrome gets worse quickly, it requires medical treatment right away.
What causes it? An infection caused by strep or staph bacteria can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). These bacteria are common and usually don't cause problems. But in rare cases, the toxins enter the bloodstream and cause a severe immune reaction
Toxic shock syndrome caused by strep most often occurs after childbirth, influenza (flu), chickenpox, surgery, minor skin cuts or wounds, or injuries that cause bruising but may not break the skin. Toxic shock syndrome caused by staph can occur after a tampon is kept in too long (menstrual TSS). Or it can occur after surgery, childbirth, or skin wounds (non-menstrual TSS). What are the symptoms? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) symptoms get worse quickly and can be deadly within days. Symptoms include:
Sudden fever. Signs of shock A rash that looks like a sunburn. The rash can be on several areas of your body or just in certain places, such as the armpits or the groin. Severe pain in an infected wound or injury. Other TSS symptoms may include:
Severe flu-like symptoms, such as muscle aches, stomach cramps, a headache, or a sore throat. Redness inside the nose and mouth. Pink eye (conjunctivitis). Scaling, peeling skin, especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Having sudden, severe symptoms is one of the most important clues that you may have toxic shock syndrome. If you think you have TSS, get medical care right away.
How is it diagnosed? Doctors usually diagnose toxic shock syndrome based on your symptoms. Tests can help show whether staph or strep bacteria are causing the infection. Tests you may need include:
How is toxic shock syndrome treated? Treatment for toxic shock syndrome (TSS) almost always takes place in a hospital. Treatment includes:
Removing the source of the infection or cleaning the wound. Treating complications, such as shock or liver, kidney, and lung failure. Using antibiotics Sometimes surgery is needed if TSS developed after surgery or if the infection is destroying the skin and soft tissue (necrotizing fasciitis
How can you prevent it? You can take steps to prevent toxic shock syndrome (TSS):
Keep all skin wounds clean to help prevent infection. This includes cuts, punctures, scrapes, burns, sores from shingles Help keep children from scratching chickenpox sores by managing itching. After childbirth, talk to your doctor before you use tampons or some barrier forms of birth control. Follow the directions on package inserts for tampons, cervical caps, diaphragms, and contraceptive sponges. If you have had menstrual TSS, do not use tampons, cervical caps, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges. Figure 1 - The lungs The lungs are the organs in the chest involved in breathing. The lungs are surrounded and protected by the rib cage. The lung on the left side of the body is a little smaller than the lung on the right.
The lungs transfer oxygen from the air to the blood and remove carbon dioxide (a waste material) from the blood. When you breathe in, oxygen moves out of the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs into the blood, where it is carried to every cell in your body. At the same time, carbon dioxide moves out of your blood and into the air sacs. You push the carbon dioxide out of your lungs when you breathe out. This process is called respiration.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
Figure 2 - Kidneys The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, at the small of the back. The kidneys filter wastes from the blood and help balance water, salt, and mineral levels in the blood.
Wastes filtered out of the blood are carried out of the body as urine. Urine flows through tubes (ureters) to the bladder, where it is stored until a person is ready to urinate. The waste and urine then leave the bladder and exit the body through a tube called the urethra.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
Figure 3 - Liver The liver is a large organ in the right upper part of the abdomen. It performs a range of complex and important functions that affect all body systems. Some of the specific functions of the liver include:
Controlling the amounts of sugar (glucose), protein, and fat entering the bloodstream. Removing bilirubin, ammonia, and other toxins from the blood. Bilirubin is a by-product of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. Processing most of the nutrients absorbed by the intestines during digestion and converting those nutrients into forms that can be used by the body. The liver also stores some nutrients, such as vitamin A, iron, and other minerals. Producing cholesterol, substances that help blood clot, bile, and certain important proteins, such as albumin. Breaking down (metabolizing) alcohol and many drugs. Current as of: October 19, 2023
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
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Current as of: April 30, 2024
