The case of Maëlle, the 17-year-old Belgian girl who died a few days ago due to a toxic shock syndrome has focused on a problem associated with the use of tampons that, although infrequent, can be very serious.

What is toxic shock syndrome?

It is a complication caused by some types of bacterial infections. In most cases, this complication has been associated with toxins that produce bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus , although it has also been associated with the action of Streptococcus . Some strains of these pathogens are capable of producing a toxin that triggers widespread infection and sepsis in a short time.

What are your symptoms?

At first, it can appear: sudden high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, hypotension, confusion, muscle and headache, rash, redness of eyes, mouth and throat and seizures. If it is not treated in time, the condition is complicated and can cause widespread infection and failure of different organs.

Why is it related to the use of tampons?

The mechanisms of this association are not very clear, although it seems that the absorption capacity of these products and their placement inside the vagina favors the production of toxins. Due to this, it is advisable to adapt the level of absorption of the tampons to the amount of menstrual flow always opting for the lowest degree of absorption and making changes often (every four to eight hours). In any case, doctors remember that it is an infrequent infection that is not only associated with the use of tampons.

What other problems has it been associated with?

Having cuts or burns, having undergone recent surgery or having a viral infection are also processes associated with toxic shock syndrome. In fact, according to data from the US Institutes of Health (NIH), today less than half of STT cases are associated with the use of tampons. Since the use of certain superabsorbent materials in the manufacture of these hygienic products, the incidence of toxic shock syndrome in women who are menstruating has decreased.

How is it treated?

Generally, this condition is treated with antibiotics to stop the origin of the infection. In addition, the patient usually receives care to maintain his vital signs, such as supportive therapy, fluid recovery treatment or hypotension management.

Can it be prevented?

Specialists recommend adapting the absorption of the tampons to the menstrual flow and never using products with greater absorbency than necessary. In addition, it is also important to change tampons frequently and at least once a day to resort to other hygienic options.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

Know more

  • Science and Health

Circular economy Artificial intelligence reaches the garbage can

Environment Offshore wind conquers the British coast

Astronomy2020: an excellent year for space exploration