What is 'Toxic Shock Syndrome'? 5 Symptoms to Watch out for

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A Michigan teen was put on life support after she suffered one of the worst cases of toxic shock syndrome, Today reported.

Rylie Whitten, a 15-year-old teenager from Michigan, is fighting for her life in the intensive care unit at the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids. She has been admitted on January 5, and her pediatric critical care physician, Dr. Surender Rajasekran, said that she was close to death but has been very lucky.

Fox News reported that Rylie's parents are now warning others about the syndrome that nearly killed their daughter. Doctors informed Rylie's family that she had a severe infection that led to toxic shock syndrome. The infection was linked to the misuse of tampons, which could have been left for hours or days.

Many are now wondering what toxic shock syndrome is, more importantly, its symptoms and treatment.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

According to Mayo Clinic, toxic shock syndrome is a life-threatening and rare complication caused by certain bacterial infections. Often, the syndrome is caused by toxins from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but the condition itself is may also be because of the group A streptococcus bacteria. The syndrome can affect men, postmenopausal women and children.

What are the symptoms?

In an article by Health Line, the symptoms of TSS can vary from person to person and happens suddenly in most cases. Common signs of this deadly condition include:

•  Low blood pressure
•  Headache
•  Sudden fever
•  Confusion
•  Muscle ache
•  Nausea
•  Diarrhea
•  Rash
•  Vomiting
•  Seizures
•  Redness of the eyes, mouth and throat

These symptoms of toxic shock syndrome may account for another medical condition. However, if the above symptoms show after a surgery, skin surgery or tampon usage, it is advised to seek medical help immediately.

The doctors will do a physical and internal examination of the patient. Blood and urine will be tested for traces of the bacteria. Doctors will also require a blood test to check how the liver and kidney functions. Swabs from throat, cervix and vagina will also be examined.

Treatment

Toxic shock syndrome requires hospitalization, Mayo Clinic stated. Doctors will give the patient antibiotics while they figure out where the infection is coming from. Fluids to avoid dehydration and medication to stabilize blood pressure will be required. The toxins released by the bacteria may result in kidney failure, and if this happens, the patient will need to undergo dialysis. Surgery can be done to remove nonliving tissue around the area of infection.