How to Treat Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is an uncommon yet serious bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This disease often occurs in menstruating women who use tampons, but it can occur in anyone with a skin infection or anyone who has had a recent surgery. If untreated, toxic shock syndrome can be fatal, so immediate treatment is necessary. Here's how toxic shock syndrome can be treated.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Eliminate the source of the toxic shock syndrome infection. Doctors can accomplish this by removing a tampon if the woman is wearing one. If you suspect toxic shock syndrome, you can also remove your tampon by yourself before getting medical attention.

2. Drain infected areas if they are the cause of the toxic shock syndrome. Infected areas such as abscesses may need to be drained to eliminate the source of the infection. Your doctor will know if this treatment applies to your case of toxic shock syndrome.

3. Take IV antibiotics. Antibiotics such as penicillin help kill the bacteria that causes the toxic shock syndrome. Your doctors will know what antibiotic treatment regimen is best for you.

4. Prevent dehydration using intravenous (IV) fluids. IV fluids can also help correct the electrolyte imbalance that often results in cases of toxic shock syndrome.

5. Stabilize and raise blood pressure levels using medication. In cases of toxic shock syndrome, blood pressure often drops to an unsafe level. Medications such as dopamine can raise blood pressure back up to normal levels.

6. Stay in the hospital. Because toxic shock syndrome is such a serious condition, a hospital stay is usually required. In the hospital, doctors will monitor your respiration, kidney and liver functions and blood pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• In cases of severe toxic shock syndrome, your doctor may prescribe steroids, oxygen therapy or even dialysis.
• The information in this article is not meant to serve as regular medical advice and care. If you have any questions about your own health, contact your personal physician.
• Contact your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you suspect you may have toxic shock syndrome. If not treated quickly, toxic shock syndrome can be fatal.

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[duwopthis]

on 8/25/2009 As stated in step 1; the elimination of the source is necessary, example: a tampon. If a person is having mental confusion, which is a symptom of toxic shock syndrome, that person may be unaware or unable to remove the tampon that is in place and/or unable to let another person or caregiver know that in fact it is even there.