Did you know 93% of toxic shock syndrome reports came from women and were related to menstruation? Toxic shock syndrome affects many women but are you aware of what exactly it is? Knowledge of what causes toxic shock syndrome could help prevent it from affecting women.
Due to it affecting primarily women, we want to lower the percentage of women affected by this infection, and we can do this with the facts and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome to look out for and contacting your doctor at the first sign of symptoms. Treatment is available for the conditions of toxic shock syndrome.
Toxic Shock Syndrome by Definition
What exactly is toxic shock syndrome? It is a life-threatening and rare series of bacterial infections. The main toxins produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can affect this condition. The primary cause of toxic shock syndrome in women is their use of superabsorbent tampons.
Here are the signs of toxic shock syndrome to look out for:
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- A rash resembling a sunburn on the palms of your hands and your feet soles
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Sudden high fever
- Low blood pressure
Facts about Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a condition many people won’t know about until it affects them. Therefore, it is important to learn the facts before toxic shock syndrome affects you.
It doesn’t just affect women
Because most cases of toxic shock syndrome affect women, it must only affect women. Men, women, and children can all be affected by toxic shock syndrome. It can occur after burns, boils, or infections following a surgery.
Some superabsorbent tampons were removed from the market
Many of these types of tampons were removed from the market after superabsorbent tampons were discovered to cause of toxic shock syndrome. There were fewer cases of women affected by the condition after they were removed from the market.
There is a treatment available
Visit your doctor immediately once you find signs of toxic shock syndrome. Your doctor will provide you with antibiotics to treat the infection. The toxins produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and hypotension accompanying this toxin could result in kidney failure. Therefore, a dialysis is administered for the kidney failure.
Women’s Health Is Our Priority
We want to help women prevent conditions and illnesses primarily affected them. At Nevada Surgery and Cancer Care, we provide women’s health care with our Gynecologic Oncology services from Dr. Lynn Kowalski. Schedule an appointment with us today!