Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection. The bacteria responsible, staphylococcus aureus, invade the body's bloodstream and release poisonous toxins.
These toxins cause a massive drop in blood pressure resulting in symptoms of shock. They also begin to damage tissue, including skin and organs and can disturb many vital organ functions. Left untreated, the combination of shock and organ damage can result in death.
Around 20 people develop TSS in the UK every year, of which two or three will die because of the condition.
The condition is more common amongst young people, particularly in women under the age of 25. It is thought that this is because many older people have developed immunity to the toxins produced by the bacteria. However, cases have been recorded in people of all ages, including children.
For reasons that are still not understood, a significant proportion of cases occur in women who are menstruating and using a tampon. Particularly tampons designed to be "super absorbent".
TSS can also occur as a result of an injury, burn or as a complication of a localized infection such as a boil.
If detected early enough, treatment for TSS is normally successful. Treatment includes using antibiotics while providing support to the other functions of the body that have been affected by TSS.
