Preventing Toxic Shock
(As reported 3/1/99)
Although many women think the dangers of Toxic Shock Syndrome are long gone, health experts say that's far from true, reports CBS News Health Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay.
Forgotten, but not gone, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) became a huge concern in 1980 when 38 women died from the condition after using tampons. But after one brand was pulled from the market and other tampon companies made product changes, the fears were soon forgotten.
Now, health experts are reminding women that TSS is still a danger. The condition is caused by a common bacteria found on the body. While tampons don't cause toxic shock, they can dry out the vaginal walls and create breaks in the skin. Once this happens, toxins are able to enter the bloodstream and cause toxic shock.
The symptoms are flu-like and usually occur within five
days of using tampons.
Symptoms of TSS include:
- sudden high fever
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- fainting or dizzy spells
- muscle aches
- sunburn-like rash
- drop in blood pressure
- fatigue
- headaches
- sore throat
- confusion
To reduce the risk of getting TSS, women should:
- Use the lowest absorbency tampon for their menstrual flow.
- Use pads as an alternative during a period.
- Change them every 4-6 hours.
- Don't use tampons overnight.
Most boxes of tampons carry pamphlets warning consumers about the risks of TSS. But unfortunately, many women throw them away before reading the details. There is good reason to read the package inserts on every box of tampons when you buy them.
There is some research that suggests that the more synthetic a tampon's material is, the greater the risk for TSS. Some doctors suggest women use the less absorbent brands because they have more natural products in them.
Reported By Dr. Emily Senay