Toxic Shock Syndrome – Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Doctors rely on both symptoms and lab tests to recognize toxic shock syndrome.

Common signs include:

• High fever
• Rash and peeling skin
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle aches and headache
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Confusion and possible organ failure

Doctors collect blood, urine, or swab samples to look for Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes infections to confirm TSS.

Sometimes, doctors use chest X-rays, CT scans, or a lumbar puncture to check for infection spread and organ damage.

Treatment

Surgical Procedures

Doctors sometimes perform surgery if dead or infected tissue is present when treating toxic shock syndrome.

They often remove damaged skin or soft tissue through a process called debridement. This helps control the spread of infection, especially if surgical wounds, abscesses, or necrotizing fasciitis are involved.

Doctors may also provide surgical care for other infections, like osteomyelitis or wound infections. They may drain pus or fluid that has built up.

In serious cases, doctors may provide mechanical ventilation if the infection affects the lungs or causes pneumonia.

Procedure	Purpose
Debridement	Remove dead tissue
Drainage	Remove pus or fluid buildup
Ventilation support	Help with breathing

Getting Ready for Your Medical Visit

Steps You Can Take Before Your Visit

Preparation helps make the appointment more effective.

Here are some tips to get ready:

• Check for any special instructions. Contact the office to find out if you need to avoid eating or drinking, or change any medications before your visit.
• List your symptoms. Write down all symptoms, even those that seem minor or not related.
• Note personal information. Include important life changes, recent stresses, and events.
• Record menstrual details. For menstruating women, write the start date of your last period. This helps spot patterns related to tampon, cervical cap, or diaphragm use.
• Organize your medicines. Make a complete list of everything you take—medications, vitamins, and supplements.
• Bring support. If possible, ask a trusted friend or family member to join you. They can help remember information or ask questions.
• Prepare your questions. Writing down questions ensures you do not forget them. Some useful questions may include:
  • What could be causing my symptoms?
  • Are there other possible explanations?
  • What tests might be needed?
  • What treatments or alternatives are available?
  • Should I worry about risk factors like using super-absorbent tampons or contraceptive sponges?
  • Is there a need for specialist care?

Tip: Questions about prevention, whether your menstrual products increase risk, or if special care is needed for older adults, are good to discuss.

Questions the Doctor May Ask You

To provide the best care, the doctor may ask about the following:

• When did your symptoms start?
  This shows how the illness has progressed.
• Are the symptoms constant or do they come and go?
• How serious are the symptoms?
• Do you use tampons, especially super-absorbent ones?
  Certain products may raise your risk.
• Are you using a diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge?
  Tell the doctor all types you use, as these can also be risk factors.
• Does anything make your symptoms better or worse?
• Have you noticed if symptoms change during menstruation?

Bring up product types, menstrual cycles, and any use of internal protection or devices so the doctor can better understand the risks for toxic shock syndrome. Record this information ahead of time to make your appointment clearer and less stressful.