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Toxic shock

Causes and symptoms of toxic shock


Causes toxic shock

Toxic shock – a severe Multisystem disease that represents a threat to human life in case of untimely treatment. Quickly progressing, it leads to the defeat of all vital organ systems including the liver, lungs and kidneys. The reason for development of toxic shock are the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (Streptococcus group A) and Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus), belonging to the group of saprophytic (organisms-destroyers). However, under normal conditions they do not create problems, such as strep throat or a skin disease like impetigo are also caused by those bacteria. But they are easily treated.

If develop certain prerequisites (and it is good that this happens very rarely), then the toxins from the bacteria in the process of life, penetrate into the blood and lead to a severe inflammatory response. Under other equal conditions in young the disease is often complicated by development of toxic shock syndrome than older people, whose immune system responds much weaker.


The symptoms of toxic shock

The disease is progressing rapidly and death is possible on the second day. The first symptoms indicating the development of toxic shock are:

· The appearance of signs of influenza illness (headache, sore throat, aching muscles, abdominal cramps);

· Sudden increase in body temperature to 39on;

· Low blood pressure and dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, confusion;

· Redness of the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, rash, localized in the armpits and groin, resembling a sun burn;

· Drawing pain in the region of the infected wound.

If you experience any of these symptoms should immediately seek medical help.

Later symptoms may include manifestations of the disease such as:

· Conjunctivitis or blepharitis;

· Necrosis of the skin;

· Blood poisoning (sepsis);

· Peeling skin on the soles of the feet and hands.

As a rule, the symptoms of toxic shock depend on the type of pathogen:

- Streptococcal infection often may develop in the postpartum and postoperative period, with a small cut in the skin (even very small), and also as a complicationflu or pneumonia.

- A staph infection can occur by incorrect use of tampons during the menstrual cycle or after a surgical procedure, such as surgery on the nasal cavity by plugging.


Forms of toxic shock

One of the manifestations of toxic shock syndrome is considered to be erased form of the disease. It is characterized by a fever, chills, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, myalgia, abdominal pain. Hypotension is usually not observed, and the disease resolves spontaneously.

Have a severe form of toxic shock acute onset characterized primarily by a sudden fever, chills, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. And fever with chills may occur even for 1-4 days before the onset of other signs of disease. Almost all cases of marked diffuse muscle pain, especially in the proximal parts of the extremities and in the abdominal wall, there is often arthralgia. Patients complain of vomiting and diarrhea, orthostatic dizziness, fainting, paresthesia, photophobia, cough, and pain when swallowing.

In mild toxic shock, the patient is recommended to drink plenty of water to comply with bed rest. In severe hospitalization is required, as the organism becomes dehydrated and blood pressure falls.

Diagnosis of toxic shock

Due to the fact that the toxic shock syndrome progresses quickly, diagnosis is carried out on the basis of the manifested symptoms, and treatment is prescribed until the results of laboratory tests. Tests only help to clarify the type of the pathogen.

Studies of the disease include:

· Analysis of blood,

· Chest x-ray,

· Taking of smears from the mucous membranes, punctate cavities, rapid tests to exclude other diseases.


Treatment of toxic shock

Treatment of disease is carried out depending on the degree of clinical manifestations and the presence of complications. Almost always it is held in a hospital.

Therapeutic measures include:

· Elimination of source of infection, which is debridement,

· Intensive fluid therapy to replenish intravascular volume

·Dealing with symptoms of shock and complications in the functioning of vital body systems,

· Conduct careful monitoring of diuresis and renal function,

· Antibiotics, which have a specific effect on the microorganisms.

If the patient has serious complications do not occur, the relief of his condition can be achieved for one to two weeks.