Toxic Shock Syndrome (cont.)
What are the signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?
Patients may experience a few days of mild flu-like symptoms before the TSS
develops, but TSS itself is characterized by the rapid onset of specific
symptoms, including high fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure,
and widespread skin rash. This will usually progress to a worsening of low blood
pressure, dizziness, confusion, peeling of the skin of the palms and soles of
the feet (which develops after one to two weeks of rash), headaches, and occasionally
seizures. Ultimately, multiorgan failure may develop, and this leads to death in
approximately 5 % of all those affected.
How is toxic shock syndrome diagnosed?
There is no one specific test that establishes the diagnosis of TSS. The
diagnosis of TSS is difficult until the characteristic symptoms evolve and a
source for the infection is identified. Besides a thorough physical examination
(which includes a pelvic examination in women), blood tests will usually be
ordered and might include a white blood cell count (to look for signs of
infection), blood cultures (evaluating for possible bacteria in the bloodstream) and evaluation of kidney and liver function. Blood tests to exclude
other diseases may also be ordered.
Chest X-rays or CT scans of the abdomen or pelvis can be ordered to evaluate
the internal organs, depending on the results of the initial evaluation.
Next: What is the treatment for toxic shock syndrome? »
- CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.
- Chest X-ray - A chest x-ray is a radiology test that involves exposing the chest briefly to radiation to produce an image of the chest and the internal organs of the chest. chest x-ray can be used to define abnormalities of the lungs such as excessive fluid, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, cysts, and cancers.
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