Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. It is caused Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. In rare cases certain strains of these bacteria can produce toxins (poisons) that cause TSS Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening illness that is caused by toxins (poisons) that circulate in the bloodstream. There are probably around 40 cases of TSS per year in the UK. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare illness. . In some people whose bodies can't fight these toxins, the immune system reacts. This reaction causes the symptoms associated with TSS. Toxic shock syndrome from taphylococcus starts suddenly with vomiting, high fever (temperature at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
A rapid drop in blood pressure (with lightheadedness or fainting), watery diarrhea, headache, sore throat, and muscle aches. Other symptoms of toxic shork syndrome is confusion or other mental changes; diminish urination; fatigue and weakness; thirst; weak and rapid pulse; pale, cool, moist skin; and rapid breathing. From a UK population of around 60 million there are about 40 cases reported each year. The skin may be pale, cool, and moist, and there may be a blotchy rash that sometimes peels. The area around an infected wound can become swollen, red, and have areas of severely damaged or dying flesh. The liver and kidneys may begin to fail, and bleeding problems may develop. Toxic shock syndrome can also occur in children, postmenopausal women, and men.
Menstrual TSS can be prevented by avoiding the use of highly absorbent tampons. Risk can also be reduced by using less absorbent tampons, changing tampons more frequently, and using tampons only intermittently (not regularly) during menstruation. Always use a tampon with the lowest absorbancy suitable for your period flow. Use a sanitary towel or panty liner from time to time during your period. Clean and bandage any skin wounds. Change bandages regularly, rather than keeping them on for several days. If you're a girl whose period has started, the best way to avoid TSS is to use sanitary napkins instead of tampons. For girls who prefer to use tampons, select the ones with the lowest absorbency that can handle your menstrual flow and change them frequently.
Toxic Shock Syndrome Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Clean and bandage any skin wounds.
2. Antibiotic treatment consists of penicillin and clindamycin.
3. Always use a tampon with the lowest absorbancy suitable for your period flow.
4. Use a sanitary towel or panty liner from time to time during your period.
5. Change bandages regularly, rather than keeping them on for several days.
6. All wounds should be kept clean and monitored for signs of infection.
Thrombophlebitis is swelling (inflammation) of a vein caused by a blood clot. On rare occasions, thrombophlebitis (often shortened to phlebitis ) can affect veins in your arms. At times, when affecting the greater saphenous vein, thrombophlebitis can progress into the deep venous system, which may lead to pulmonary embolism. When it occurs repeatedly in different locations, it is known as "Thrombophlebitis migrans". Thrombo means clot. Phlebitis means a vein with inflammation, or the swelling and irritation that happens as the result of an injury. Thrombophlebitis also is known as phlebitis, phlebothrombosis, and venous thrombosis. Thrombophlebitis often is caused by prolonged inactivity, such as from sitting during a long period of travel in an airplane or automobile or from lengthy bed rest after surgery. Often, thrombophlebitis occurs in people with varicose veins; however, most people with varicose veins do not develop thrombophlebitis.
Thrombophlebitis itself may not be too serious, but it can lead to other conditions that are life-threatening. Paralysis, certain types of cancer and use of the hormone estrogen also may lead to thrombophlebitis. An inherited tendency for blood clots places you at higher risk of thrombophlebitis. In rare occasions, some cases can lead to infection and tissue damage from the loss of healthy circulation. There are two parts to thrombophlebitis, inflammation of a vein and blood clot formation. If the inflammation is minor, the disease usually is called venous thrombosis or phlebothrombosis. The main symptoms are tenderness and pain in the area of the affected vein. Redness and/or swelling also may be seen. Paralysis, certain types of cancer and use of the hormone estrogen also may lead to thrombophlebitis. An inherited tendency for blood clots places you at higher risk of thrombophlebitis. If an intravenous line is in use, the risk of superficial thrombophlebitis may be reduced by routine rotation of the IV site and immediate removal of the IV line if signs of inflammation develop.
Causes of Thrombophlebitis
The common causes of Thrombophlebitis include the following:
Sitting for a long period of time (such as on a long airplane trip) increases a person's risk of thrombophlebitis.
Cigarette smoking.
An infection or an injury to a vein.
You may get a thrombophlebitis from wearing a cast which can cause your blood to pool.
Taking birth control pills.
Intravenous drug use.
Caustic materials, such as lighter fluid and street drugs, injected intravenously.
Symptoms of Thrombophlebitis
Some symptoms related to Thrombophlebitis are as follows:
Warmth and tenderness over the vein.
Skin redness (not always present).
Hard vein.
Local warmth.
A feeling of heaviness in the leg or affected area.
Swelling ( edema ) of the extremities (ankle and foot).
Treatment of Thrombophlebitis
Here is list of the methods for treating Thrombophlebitis:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.
Rest and Firm bandaging.
Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain.
Antibiotics are prescribed if infection is present.
In rare instances, a filter may be inserted into the main vein in your abdomen (vena cava) to prevent clots that break loose in leg veins from lodging in your lungs
Keep pressure off of the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage.
Surgical removal, stripping, or bypass of the vein is rarely needed but may be recommended in some situations.
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