Shock
Definition
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. This can damage multiple organs. Shock requires IMMEDIATE medical treatment and can get worse very rapidly.
Considerations
Major classes of shock include:
- Cardiogenic shock (associated with heart problems)
- Hypovolemic shock (caused by inadequate blood volume)
- Anaphylactic shock (caused by allergic reaction)
- Septic shock (associated with infections)
- Neurogenic shock (caused by damage to the nervous system)
Shock can be caused by any condition that reduces blood flow, including:
- Heart problems (such as heart attack or heart failure)
- Low blood volume (as with heavy bleeding or dehydration)
- Changes in blood vessels (as with infection or severe allergic reactions)
Symptoms
A person in shock has extremely low blood pressure. Depending on the specific cause and type of shock, symptoms will include one or more of the following:
- Anxiety or agitation
- Confusion
- Pale, cool, clammy skin
- Low or no urine output
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Dizziness, light headedness, or faintness
- Profuse sweating, moist skin
- Rapid but weak pulse
- Shallow breathing
- Chest pain
- Unconsciousness
- Turn the head to one side so he or she will not choke. Do this as long as there is NO suspicion of spinal injury.
- If a spinal injury is suspected, "log roll" him or her instead. Keep the person's head, neck and back in line and roll him or her as a unit.
- DO NOT give the person anything by mouth, including anything to eat or drink.
- DO NOT move the person with a known or suspected spinal injury.
- DO NOT wait for milder shock symptoms to worsen before calling for emergency medical help.
Septic shock is a serious condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to low blood pressure and low blood flow. The brain, heart, kidneys, and liver may not work properly or may fail.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Septic shock occurs most often in the very old and the very young. It also occurs in people who have other illnesses.
Any type of bacteria can cause septic shock. Fungi and (rarely) viruses may also cause the condition. Toxins released by the bacteria or fungus may cause tissue damage, and may lead to low blood pressure and poor organ function. Many researchers believe that abnormal blood clots in small arteries cause the lack of blood flow and poor organ function.
The toxins also cause a strong inflammatory response from the body, which contributes to septic shock.
Prevention
Learn ways to prevent heart disease, falls, injuries, dehydration, and other causes of shock. If you have a known allergy (for example, to insect bites or stings), carry an epinephrine pen. Your doctor will teach you how and when to use it.
Once someone is already in shock, the sooner shock is treated, the less damage there may be to the person's vital organs (like the kidney, liver, and brain). Early first aid and emergency medical help can save a life.