Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) has been associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons. But the number of reports in TSS in menstruating women has declined since manufacturers pulled certain types of tampons off the market.
Health expert Dr Nokukhanya Khanyile explains what TSS is, “Toxic Shock Syndrome is a very serious, life-threatening condition that is caused when the toxins produced by bacteria called staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus pyogenes get access to the bloodstream. Multiple organs are involved, and you may require surgery or prolonged hospital admission to help you recover. Both men and women, young and old, menstruating or not, can get TSS.”
It is caused by staphylococcus aureus which is a bacteria that lives on the skin but because of your body’s ability to fight infection and barriers like your skin and mucous membranes it is less likely to cause disease of a healthy person, Dr Khanyile added.
Risk factors:
- Tampon use, use of highly absorbent tampons, using tampons for outside of menstruation and keeping one tampon in place for a long time during menstruation. Change your tampon at least six and eight hourly and more frequently if it is full
- Procedures involving the ears, nose or throat
- Not thoroughly cleaning the skin before any invasive surgical procedure
- Weakened immune response due to stress, HIV infection, diabetes, cancer, steroid use, immunosuppressant drugs and chemotherapy.
Symptoms of TSS:
- Sudden onset of symptoms within 5 to 7 days of menstruation, invasive surgical procedure, delivery of a baby or an abscess of the skin
- Rash
- Fever
- Severe body pain or pain in the localised area
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Changes in your mental health
- Low blood pressure or hypotension.
It is very important to know your symptoms early on to receive help earlier. Treatment includes antibiotic treatment, surgical cleaning or removal of infected wounds or dead tissue. Other medication such as steroids to help prevent shock due to low blood pressure.
Dr Khanyile concluded, “The rates of TSS associated with menstruation have been declining over the years due to increasing awareness about the symptoms, improved access to information about maintaining menstrual hygiene as well as better access to clean water and electricity.”
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