What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Interestingly, the human body is composed of more bacterial organisms than it is actual human cells. There are bacteria in the mouth, skin, and gastrointestinal system. Normally, these organisms flourish side-by-side with our cells, and some actually help us with essential tasks. However, if a harmful bacteria invades your body, it can result in dangerous conditions like toxic shock syndrome, or TSS.

Normally, most people associate TSS with women who use superabsorbent tampons. Of course, bacteria can live in the tampons and enter the body in this method. Currently, though, only about half of TSS cases are related to tampons. With toxic shock, bacteria such as staphylococcus or group A streptococcus enter the body and go into the bloodstream. This is broadly called septicemia or bacteremia. However, if this invasion causes you to go into shock, then the bacterial blood infection turns into toxic shock.

There are several situations that can put a person at risk for developing TSS. These include:

Abscesses
Animal bites
Burns
Surgery
Tampons, sponges, diaphragms, etc.
Childbirth

All of these create incisions or openings in the skin where bacteria can enter the bloodstream. Doctors are not sure how tampons cause TSS, but they could cause micro-tears to the vaginal tissue, allowing bacteria into the body.

Once the staph or strep bacteria enters the bloodstream, the organisms produce toxins as by-products. These can overwhelm your body and immune system, leading to shock. The symptoms of TSS include:

Fever
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Confusion
Aching muscles
Low blood pressure
Seizures
Organ failure

If your toxic shock is the result of a foreign object in your body or if it is at the site of a wound, you may need to have the pus drained from the area. Doctors will also give you antibiotics and fluids to keep you hydrated. Additionally, if you suffered from organ failure such as kidney damage, you may need dialysis treatment. Overall, there is about a 50% survival rate for toxic shock syndrome.

You should not have to suffer from injuries due to another person's negligence, especially if that injury led to toxic shock syndrome. If you have been harmed by a reckless individual, resulting in an injury, you should contact an experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney from Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C., today.