Living with Toxic shock syndrome
A rare illness from bacterial toxins that causes high fever, low blood pressure, rash, and problems in several organs.
Understanding Toxic shock syndrome
It is not contagious. The toxins trigger a strong inflammatory reaction in the body. It is marked by high fever, low blood pressure, rash, problems in several organs, and skin peeling during recovery. It can happen at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- High fever
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Confusion
- Muscle aches and belly pain
- Trouble breathing
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by toxins (exotoxins) made by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Also known as: bacterial toxic-shock syndrome; bacterial tss; gram-positive septic shock; shock syndrome (tss), toxic; syndrome (tss), toxic shock; toxic shock
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Toxic shock syndrome.
Explore research for Toxic shock syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Toxic shock syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Toxic shock syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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