Where does tss come from?
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome may vary depending on the type of bacteria producing the toxins. They may include:
Most cases of toxic shock syndrome are caused by a toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection) and streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep infection). Clostridium sordellii can also cause toxic shock syndrome, but it's less common.
Under normal circumstances, these bacteria live on your skin or on your mucous membranes (like your throat or mouth) without causing any ill effects. However, under certain conditions, some strains of bacteria may start to grow rapidly and produce toxins.
When you use a tampon, Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria may become trapped in your vagina and enter your uterus via your cervix. Bacteria may grow on tampons, especially if they aren’t changed often enough. Bacteria may also grow if your menstrual flow is light and you use a super-absorbent tampon. Tampons can also cause tiny cuts in your vagina, and bacteria can enter your bloodstream.
Leaving a tampon in too long is not the only way to get toxic shock syndrome. Medical experts now know that anything that stays in your vagina for longer than the recommended time can increase your risk for toxic shock syndrome. This includes contraception such as cervical caps, sponges or diaphragms, or menstrual cups (cups used during your period).
Toxic shock syndrome can occur when bacteria gets into open wounds, cuts or sores on your body. This can be from a skin infection, surgery, childbirth or a nosebleed that requires packed gauze to stop it.
The following bacteria cause TSS:
There isn't a set time for when symptoms of TSS start after using a tampon. However, tampons should be removed from your vagina after eight hours to lower your risk of TSS. This doesn't mean you will get TSS if a tampon is left in your vagina longer than eight hours. It means studies have shown that prolonged use of a tampon promotes the production of harmful bacteria.
The onset of symptoms is usually sudden. Toxic shock syndrome tends to occur within days of the bacteria invading your bloodstream. This doesn't mean that you will get toxic shock syndrome every time you have staph or strep infection, or that you will get it from leaving a tampon in longer than eight hours.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, but serious illness that can often be life-threatening. TSS develops suddenly after certain types of bacteria enter the bloodstream and produce toxins (poisons). It can quickly affect several different organs including your liver, lungs and kidneys. Since TSS develops quickly, emergency medical help is needed as soon as possible.
Although TSS has been linked to tampon and menstrual cup use by menstruating individuals, it can occur in anyone. Only half of the cases of TSS are linked to menstruation.
TSS is caused by toxins made by some types of bacteria. The 2 bacteria that make toxins that can cause TSS are:
For more information on group A Streptococcus, see HealthLinkBC File #106 Group A Streptococcal Infections.
Staphylococcus aureus are found in the nose or on the skin of up to 30 per cent of people. They are also found in the vagina of about 10 to 20 per cent of women. These bacteria are usually not harmful, and only cause mild nose, throat or skin infections.
In some cases, SA infections can result in TSS. SA makes several toxins and when the toxins enter your bloodstream you can have a severe reaction causing TSS. The toxins may enter your bloodstream through a wound to the skin, including a surgical wound. TSS can also occur in menstruating individuals using tampons or a menstrual cup. Most people, however, are not affected by the toxins because they have developed antibodies to them.
Symptoms of TSS include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle soreness. These symptoms will develop quickly and are severe. Other symptoms may include pain at the site of a wound, vomiting and diarrhea, signs of shock including low blood pressure and light-headedness, shortness of breath and a sunburn-like rash.
In general, TSS symptoms can develop as soon as 12 hours after a surgical procedure. Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in individuals who are menstruating and using tampons or menstrual cups.
If you experience the above symptoms after using tampons, a menstrual cup or after a surgery or skin injury, contact your health care provider immediately.
Toxic shock syndrome requires immediate emergency care in a hospital. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department right away if you think you have TSS.
If you experience any of the symptoms of TSS while using a tampon or menstrual cup, remove the tampon or menstrual cup and see your health care provider right away. Inform them that you were using a tampon or menstrual cup when the symptoms started.
TSS cannot be treated at home. Hospital care is required to treat a staph infection and related complications caused by TSS, such as shock. You will be given antibiotics to kill the bacteria and stop further release of toxins.
If the source of infection involves a tampon, menstrual cup, diaphragm or contraceptive sponge, it should be removed as soon as possible.
TSS from a staph infection can affect anyone; however, some people are at greater risk of TSS than others.
Risk factors for TSS include:
Although menstruating individuals using tampons or a menstrual cup are at higher risk of TSS, tampons and menstrual cups do not cause TSS.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a cluster of symptoms that involves many systems of the body. Certain bacterial infections release toxins into the bloodstream, which then spreads the toxins to body organs. This can cause severe damage and illness.
The following bacteria commonly cause TSS:
TSS from Staphylococcus infections was identified in the late 1970s and early 1980s when highly absorbent tampons were widely used by menstruating women. Due to changes in how tampons are made, the incidence of tampon-induced TSS has declined.
TSS from streptococcus infections is most commonly seen in children and the elderly. Other people at risk include those with diabetes, weak immune system, chronic lung disease, or heart disease.
The following are risk factors for toxic syndrome:
Symptoms of TSS involve many systems and may look like other infections. While each person may experience symptoms differently, the following are the most common symptoms of staphylococcal TSS:
The following are the most common symptoms of streptococcal TSS:
The following are the most common symptoms of C. sordellii TSS:
Ruling out similar illnesses (such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, among others) is critical in diagnosing TSS. Other diagnostic tests may include:
Specific treatment will be determined by your health care provider based on:
Treatment for TSS may include:
TSS can result in amputations of fingers, toes, or limbs, or even death.
TSS may start like other infections, but it can quickly progress to a seriously life-threatening disease. If a mild illness quickly becomes severe with whole-body symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
