Toxic shock syndrome: what is it and what is its relationship to tampons
Toxic shock syndrome can be caused, among other reasons, by prolonged use of high-absorption tampon
Toxic shock syndrome (TCS) is a rare infection caused by toxins from Gram-positive bacteria, especially the Staphylococcus aureus and the Streptococcus pyogenes. the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus it normally exists in a woman's body. However, when it proliferates intensely, excess toxins are produced, which cause an inflammatory response and toxic shock syndrome. These toxins trigger a series of serious reactions that can culminate in acute kidney failure and death.
Bacteria can infect a person through wounds, burns, surgery and the use of tampons. The relationship between the disease and the use of high-absorbing tampons with synthetic composition was only discovered in the 1980s, when the product was new.
It's not clear exactly how the bacteria cause toxic shock syndrome, but for the disease to develop, two things must happen: the bacteria must be in an environment where they can grow quickly and release toxins, and the toxins must enter the bloodstream. Tampons are more likely to cause toxic shock syndrome because, when they are highly saturated with blood, they make an ideal environment for the rapid growth of bacteria. The material the plug is made of can also influence. Everything indicates that the bacteria are more susceptible to growing in an environment made of polyester foam.
Some cases
a work of the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, carried out in 2011, discusses a case that caused repercussions in the US in the 1980s. It is a tampon released at the time, produced with synthetic materials, which was later associated with an increased incidence of toxic shock syndrome. The work found that while information inserted inside tampon packaging is supposed to explain the product's hazards, they often inform more about consumer responsibility rather than risk. "It's exactly the kind of risk that needs further explanation. Toxic shock syndrome is rare but important. The bacteria S. aureus it has conditions where it's more likely to multiply, and that's in a high-absorb synthetic tampon," says Sharra L. Vostral, writer of the article.
In 2012, 26-year-old American model Lauren Walssen had to have her leg amputated due to toxic shock syndrome. The model is suing the manufacturer of the tampon she was using when she contracted the syndrome. The following year, in 2013, a young woman named Natasha Scott-Falber, aged 14, died as a result of using a tampon.
A US newscast commented on the case of model Lauren Walssen, and warned of the risks of tampon and the need for more research related to feminine hygiene products.
how to prevent
Some precautions can be taken: use the tampon within the maximum time indicated by the manufacturer, do not use a tampon with a higher absorbency capacity than you usually have on the respective day of menstrual flow, wash your hands before inserting the tampon and avoid hair removal extremes. The recommendation is that the exchange takes place within two to four hours, depending on the intensity of the flow. Anyone who has a very intense flow should change the absorbent more often. Blood accumulated for a long time favors damage to the canal and the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, in addition to causing an unpleasant odor.
You can also exchange the tampon for ones that are unrelated to toxic shock syndrome. The external pad does not increase the risk of the syndrome, however, it can also cause bacterial infections if used for a long time, without changing. See some options for tampons.Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms
Some symptoms should be noted, as they may be associated with infection:- Sudden high fever (39°C or more);
- Skin rash resembling a sunburn, and peeling 1-2 weeks after the skin rash appears;
- Dizziness and/or fainting;
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea;
- Headache;
- Sore throat;
- Muscle pain;
- Renal insufficiency.
