What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic shock is a disease that presents with a set of infections or symptoms. It is usually  caused by the growth of normal bacteria in the body. This phenomenon induces high fever and other symptoms such as nausea, confusion, vomiting, and various problems in various organs of the body. Sometimes there are red eyes, muscle pain, irritation in the mouth and throat, and hypotension.

In the 1980s, this syndrome was associated with the use of tampons. However, it affects children and men, although it mainly occurs in most cases in women. It is observed with a higher incidence in women who use ultra-absorbent tampons, diaphragms or who have had a recent delivery.

It should be clarified that the use of the tampon does not mean that it causes this infection. Although it is very common under these circumstances, it is not a fact in itself. In the United States, 3 out of 100,000 women between the ages of 19 and 25 develop this infection. That is, it occurs mainly in childbearing age. It is important to know the subject very well to be informed about its symptoms and causes.

Tampon relationship with toxic shock syndrome

The launch of the tampon on the market generated great enthusiasm among women. By then they began to be used routinely around the world. The most widely sold was the ultra absorbent, and for this reason there was a disproportionate increase in this infection.

The risks of developing toxic shock syndrome from tampon use are related to a number of other factors. In other words, various events must be present, for example the following:

• Having had a recent delivery or surgery
• Presenting an infection related to the bacteria known as staphylococcal

• Presence of foreign bodies in the body
• Be passing menstruation
• Leave the tampon for a long time
• Infected wounds

How to deal with the signs of toxic shock?

A person suffering from toxic shock syndrome may have the symptoms described above. The main signs of infection appear  as fever. In addition, irritation of the skin with the appearance of a burn may be observed.

These symptoms do not only occur in women who use tampons, but also in other women who use the diaphragm. For prevention, specialists recommend that the use of the tampon is limited to the day, this implies not using it at night.

The tampon should also not be inside the body for long hours. It can only be used during menstruation and not to contain the flow during the month.

Similarly, it is recommended to see a doctor if some of the symptoms occur. Later, it is necessary to make an appointment with the gynecologist to rule out complications or introduce any medication. If you feel that the symptoms are getting worse, you should go to the emergency room to be treated.

Toxic shock syndrome can be fatal

Mortality from this disease is between 30 and 50% of women who present it. Death mainly occurs due to neglect of symptoms. It also occurs because the tampon remains in the body for longer than the recommended time. Not paying attention to the symptoms that arise from the infection, it is fatal in many cases.

The treatment for this syndrome is the administration of intravenous antibiotics and the introduction of fluids to avoid organ damage. It is important that women who decide to use tampons, remember to use them for a maximum time of 4 hours, keeping them in a clean and safe place avoiding the ultra absorbent. During the night the use of sanitary napkins is recommended to avoid the continuous use of the tampon.