Related topics: •  Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)

Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is an illness caused by a common bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. People can and do carry these bacteria on moist surfaces of their bodies (such as the tissues lining their nose or vaginas) without coming to any harm. Researchers think toxic shock syndrome develops when the bacteria get into the bloodstream through small cuts, abrasions, or an open wound and release toxins, or poisons.

Medical journals have reported an illness resembling toxic shock syndrome ever since the 1920s, but it was identified only in 1978, after a rash of cases were linked to the use of highly absorbent tampons. Publicity about toxic shock syndrome, government regulation, and clearer instructions from tampon manufacturers have since led to a sharp decline in the incidence of the disease; in 1998 there were only 3 confirmed cases among menstruating women, compared with 814 cases in 1980. But although the illness is rare, it's still an important health concern.

Now, non-menstrual TSS accounts for about half of all cases. Initially, most TSS cases involved very young women in their late teens and early twenties. If a wound, burn, boil, or insect bite gets infected with the bacteria, someone who isn't menstruating or isn't female can also suffer toxic shock. About 30 percent of the women who have had the illness get it again.

Some symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, like a high fever and a sore throat, are so similar to those of flu and other common ailments that it's easy to dismiss it until the situation becomes serious. But toxic shock syndrome can progress very swiftly, and a victim may die of heart and lung failure within days if it goes untreated.

The most common symptoms are:

•A high fever of 102 to 105 degrees

•Chills and aching muscles

•Headache

•A sore throat

•Low blood pressure

•Vomiting

•Diarrhea

•A red rash that looks like a sunburn

•Hallucinations or dizziness

In addition, the skin on the palms of the hands and on the soles of the feet may peel.

Research has suggested that highly absorbent tampons increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome because they may dry out and tear the lining of your vagina when they're removed. Provided with this way in, the bacteria infect your body and produce toxins that are hard for it to fight off.

You can also get it through surgical procedures and medical conditions such as rhinoplasty and influenza.

In rare cases, women have developed toxic shock syndrome after leaving a diaphragm or a cervical cap in too long. You should keep a diaphragm in for no more than six hours after sex; don't leave it in longer than 24 hours even if you have sex again.

Recently rumors appeared on the Internet that tampons contain a number of dangerous materials (such as asbestos) that can cause toxic shock syndrome. The Food and Drug Administration, however, has stated that materials like asbestos have never been used in tampons. Some tampons do contain rayon, but according to the FDA, studies demonstrate that they're no more likely to cause toxic shock syndrome than cotton tampons of similar absorbency.

Once identified, fortunately, it's easily treated with antibiotics and large amounts of intravenous fluid to raise the patient's blood pressure. The problem is, a woman can easily come down with it again. Women who get the disease once should immediately stop using tampons to protect themselves against another infection.

Doctors advise that you not use superabsorbent tampons when you're menstruating. Read the instructions to decide what size is best for you. You should also try to do the following:

•Use brands with the lowest absorbency and alternate them with sanitary napkins and panty liners (the Food and Drug Administration now mandates that tampon boxes carry an absorbency "rating")

•Keep the bacteria from spreading by washing your hands before and after you insert a tampon

•If a tampon is irritating or hard to remove, switch to a less absorbent variety

•Change your tampon every four to six hours

•Never leave a tampon in overnight

•Never use more than one tampon at a time

If you're using a tampon, take it out immediately to prevent some of the most dangerous symptoms of the disease. Then call 911 or get help from a doctor at once. Be sure to tell him or her whether you've had toxic shock syndrome before.

References

First published August 19, 1999
Last updated July 30, 2008
Copyright © 1999 Consumer Health Interactive

Or Find More On:

Back to top of page