You tampons emerged as a way to make women's lives more practical. The inconvenience caused by the other types of absorbent used in the period menstrual often prevented women from performing their daily activities, especially with regard to leaks.
Although practical, tampons need more care than other types. Correct use is essential to avoid serious health problems, such as Toxic Shock Syndrome, a disease that killed several women in the 1980s who used highly absorbent pads.
The syndrome develops thanks to bacteriaStaphylococcus aureusand Streptococcus pyogenes, that start to produce toxins that trigger an inflammatory response that affects the body as a whole. In cases where the infection is triggered by S. Pyogenes, there is a greater aggressiveness of the disease.
THE toxic shock syndrome is very rare and presents symptoms such as high fever, myalgia, mental confusion, sore throat, rash, peeling skin on feet and hands, symptoms gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, low blood pressure, acute kidney failure, which worsens rapidly, and heart failure. multiple organs. In some people, tissue necrosis occurs.
The disease has a high mortality rate, which, according to some authors, can reach 70%. Due to its rapid advance, the Early diagnosis may be essential for patient survival. The biggest problem is focused on the fact that the exam is essentially clinical, with no specific exams to diagnose the syndrome.
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Once the diagnosis has been made, it is essential that the use of antibiotics to treat the disease. A combination of different antibiotics is usually administered, as it is increasingly common to Bacterial resistance. In addition, fluid replacement and monitoring of the patient's renal functions are essential.
It is important to highlight that the Toxic Shock syndrome was first identified in women who used tampons, however, the problem can be triggered by other factors and also affect men and kids. In addition to tampons, bacteria can infect a person through wounds, burns and surgery.
Heads up:Use the tampon correctly, always following the manufacturer's recommendation. Never forget to change it every eight hours and use the appropriate type for your flow, as studies link Toxic Shock Syndrome with higher degrees of absorbent absorption. In case of doubt, contact your gynecologist.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Toxic Shock Syndrome and the tampon"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/sindrome-choque-toxico-absorvente-interno.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
