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Why is a woman more prone to toxic shock syndrome during menstruation? Can this disease also occur in men?
Severe toxic shock
The human body is inhabited by countless colonies of bacteria. However, there is a certain level of abundance below which the microorganisms are not harmful to the host (they do not cause any disease symptoms).
This regularity is also confirmed in the case of golden staphylococcus (Staphylococcus aureus). It is not part of the natural human bacterial flora, but its presence in the body (e.g. on the skin) does not have to be accompanied by any symptoms.
Staphylococcus produces, among others TSST-1 toxin, which is the main cause of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) Toxic Shock Syndrome). However, as long as the human body synthesizes the appropriate number of antibodies against this toxin, the bacteria is unnoticeable to us. It happens, however, that the level of our immunity drops for various reasons – then the action of TSST-1 may turn out to be deadly. Since antibodies to the toxin appear only in adulthood (in 90% of the population), the disease caused by it most often affects children and adolescents.
Toxic shock syndrome – who gets sick most often and why?
It can be said that TSS is a young disease. It became known only in the early 80s – as a result of the wave of diseases among menstruating women. Also today, nearly half of the cases of toxic shock syndrome are associated with menstruation.
TSS occurs mainly in women who use vaginal tampons. Probably their birth paths were settled by golden staphylococcus before the use of tampons. During menstruation, the body’s immunity is slightly lowered, while the blood that collects in the tampon becomes an excellent medium for the multiplication of staphylococcus. The interaction of these two factors is conducive to the development of toxic shock syndrome.
However, TSS also occurs in other cases: during the puerperium, after septic miscarriage, as a complication after surgery – especially gynecological, and as a result of the use of barrier contraceptives (condoms, intrauterine devices).
In addition, toxic shock is observed in people of both sexes in the course of skin diseases and damage (burns, frostbite, wounds). Most likely, the cause is the earlier colonization of the skin by staphylococcus, which used the breach of its continuity as a gateway to spread throughout the body.
Toxic shock syndrome – characteristic symptoms
• high fever (over 39 degrees),
• diffuse macular inflammation of the skin (erythrodemia),
• drop in blood pressure,
• organ symptoms,
• diarrhea or vomiting
• muscle pain,
• symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membranes: throat, nose, conjunctiva, vagina (itching, burning, local soreness),
• dizziness, confusion, disorientation
• peeling of the epidermis – especially on the palms (inner) surfaces of the hands and soles of the feet, occurring within 1-2 weeks of the first symptoms appearing.
Toxic shock syndrome – treatment
Treatment is always carried out in a hospital setting. Depending on the type of infection, the place where the toxin is produced (e.g. a wound) is cleaned, fluids are given, the level of ions in the body is balanced, and antibiotics are used. In severe cases, immunoglobulins (antibodies against staphylococcal toxins) are given.
Toxic shock syndrome – what else is worth knowing?
Nearly 2% of menstrual-related TSS cases are fatal. If the disease is due to another cause, treatment fails in about 5% of the cases. Being sick does not provide permanent immunity. So if a woman has had toxic shock syndrome, she should not use tampons or barrier contraceptives in the future.
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