SHOCK

Types

There are many forms of shock. They fall in four predominant types, which is based on blood circulation. The four types are:

• Obstructive shock happens when blood can’t get where it needs to go, such as in pulmonary embolism
• Cardiogenic shock, in which damage to the heart can lead to poor circulation
• Distributive shock, in which the blood vessels lose their tone, such as in anaphylactic shock, septic shock, drug toxicities and brain accidents.
• Hypovolemic shock, in which there is not enough blood in the blood vessels to carry oxygen to the organs.

Symptoms

Shock can bring about the following symptoms:

• Rapid, thready, or absent pulse
• Irregular heart beat
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Lightheadedness
• Cool, clammy skin
• Dilated pupils
• Lackluster eyes
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Decreased urine
• Thirst and dry mouth
• Low blood sugar
• Loss of consciousness
• Low blood pressure

Diagnosis

Imaging assessments may be done to check for bone fractures, organ ruptures, muscle or tendon tears, and abnormal growths.

Such assessments may include:

• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• CT scan
• MRI scan

Blood exams

Your health care professional may also request for blood tests to look for:

• Blood loss
• Blood disorders
• Drug or treatment overdose

Medications/Treatment

If you see a person going into shock, call 911 or the nearest hospital.

The doctor treats shock based on its known cause. He or she may use epinephrine and other medicinal drugs to deal with shock. Blood transfusion may be done to replace lost blood and treat hypovolemic shock. Medications, heart surgical procedures, or different interventions to treat cardiogenic shock may be given and done. Antibiotics are used to treat septic shock.