Toxic shock syndrome is a rare illness. It's caused by poisons from strep or staph bacteria. Usually these bacteria cause an infection that can be treated easily. But sometimes they cause a serious reaction that can make your organs fail. This can include your lungs, kidneys, and liver.
This illness sometimes happens when a tampon is kept in too long. You can also get it after you get chickenpox, the flu, or skin wounds.
Toxic shock syndrome needs treatment right away in a hospital.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, often life-threatening illness that develops suddenly after a bacterial infection and can rapidly affect several different organ systems, including the lungs, kidneys, and liver. Because toxic shock syndrome progresses quickly, immediate medical treatment is needed.
Toxic shock syndrome can be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) or Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria. Symptoms of TSS usually include high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, a rash that looks like a sunburn, and signs of very low blood pressure and shock, including confusion, fainting, or dizziness.
The most familiar cases of TSS are related to tampon use. But TSS may also be a rare complication of chickenpox, flu, and other respiratory infections and of wounds or injuries to the skin.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) symptoms get worse quickly and can be deadly within days. Symptoms include:
Other TSS symptoms may include:
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.
Treatment for toxic shock syndrome (TSS) almost always takes place in a hospital. Treatment includes:
Sometimes surgery is needed if TSS developed after surgery or if the infection is destroying the skin and soft tissue (necrotizing fasciitis).
You can take steps to prevent toxic shock syndrome (TSS):
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:
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. This reaction causes the symptoms of TSS.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare illness that happens suddenly after an infection. It quickly can harm several different organs, including the lungs, the kidneys, and the liver. And it can be deadly. Since toxic shock syndrome gets worse quickly, it requires medical treatment right away.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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