Medical shock differs from the psychological or emotional shock which occurs as a result of frightening or traumatic emotional incident.In medical terminology, shock results from insufficient flow of blood in the entire body. Most of the time, it comes along with severe illness or injury. If it doesn’t get controlled immediately, it may lead to emergency conditions like hypoxia, cardiac arrest or damage organ. If treatment isn’t initiated, then the symptoms may aggravate with time.

General Signs of Shock

Shock may be caused by trauma, blood loss,heatstroke, severe infection, poisoning, allergic reactions,severe burnsand others.

In a condition of shock, the body is deprived of sufficient oxygen or blood. Untreated condition will consequently result in a permanent damage of organ or worse, death. Given below are the sign and symptoms that are likely to appear:

• Clammy or cool skin which may be gray or pale
• Weak and rapid pulse
• Shallow or slow, deep or rapid breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea or vomit
• Eyes lacking luster with dilated pupils
• Conscious or unconscious

Signs and Symptoms of Different Types of Shock

Apart from the general sign and symptoms, every type of shock has its own particular signs and symptoms. Identify the type and choose the treatment based on the type and symptoms.

1. Septic Shock

It results from an infection and is characterized by initiation of full body inflammation. Elder people and those who are with a comprised immune system are more susceptible. This inflammation leads to formation of tiny blood clots that prevent the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the vital body organs.The third stage of sepsis is the septic shock when the blood pressure declines notably. It may result in heart, respirator or organ failure, even death.

Sign and symptoms:

• Lightheadedness or extreme weakness
• Declined body temperaturefollowed by chills
• Anomalous functioning of heart, like palpitation
• Difficulty in breathing
• Confusion
• Less urination
• Discolored skin or patches on the skin

2. Anaphylactic Shock

It is a potentially serious allergic response characterized by dilated blood vessels, deteriorating blood pressure, hives and swelling. This type results from the development of antibodies against an allergen. This antibody may produce an exaggerated reaction against even a harmless substance like food. Exposure to the substance may cause binding of antibodies to allergen, resulting in a huge amount of histamine, a protein which is responsible for the symptoms. Below are some allergic reactions that increase the risks: sting or insect bite, medicine allergies such as allergy to penicillin, food allergies like allergy to egg, peanut or milk, prior anaphylactic shock, and latex allergy.

Sign and symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or cramps
• Coughing
• Swollen lips, tongue or limbs
• Itchy throat or mouth,difficulty in swallowing
• Sneezing or runny nose
• Hives or itchy skin

Sever Symptoms:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Tightness or pains in the chest
• Below normal blood pressure
• Weak and rapid pulse
• Dizzy or passing out

Note: If a person shows sever symptoms as mentioned above, he/she should be sent to hospital in 30-60 minutes since the symptoms could be fatal.

3. Cardiogenic Shock

This kind of shockhappens when the heart fails to pump, leading to minimized cardiac output followed by hypoxia and acute hypoperfusion of organs and tissues. It is characterized by sustained decline in blood pressure and hypoperfusion of tissues. It usually occurs due to acute myocardial infarction. Cardiogenic shock needs instant resuscitation.

Sign and symptoms:

• Faintness
• Palpitation
• Disorientation or confusion
• Profuse sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chest pain
• Altered mental health
• Less urination
• Wheezing sounds
• Murmur, thrills and heaves, indicating the valve dysfunction
• Presence of 3^rd and 4^th heart sounds
• Swelling of tissues especially of limbs
• Fast or slow heart beat
• Low blood pressure
• Cold, mottled or pale skin

4. Neurogenic Shock

Also called hemorrhagic shock, it is a potentially serious condition that occurs upon losing 20% of the body’s total blood or fluid supply. As a result, heart fails to pump enough blood to the body, leading to organ failure. For survival, this emergency condition must be treated immediately.

Sign and symptoms:

• Weak pulse
• Rapid heart beat
• Declined blood pressure
• Faintness
• Chest pain
• Confusion, dizziness, anxiety
• Shallow breathing
• Profuse sweating
• No or less urination
• Bluish finger nails and lips

Symptoms of internal haemorrhage are:

• Abdominal swelling and/or pain
• Chest pain
• Blood in vomits
• Vaginal bleeding
• Blood in urine and/or stool

5. Neurogenic Shock

It occurs due to the injury to central nervous system like the spinal cord and brain, causing disruption of the functions that take place in nervous system. This consequently influences the distribution of blood within the entire body.

Sign and symptoms:

• Hypotension
• Deficient sympathetic tone
• Low heart rate
• Declined body temperature

6. Other Shocks

• Respiratory shock—damage to the vital respiratory machinery of the body that affects the gaseous exchange
• Psychogenic shock—Inadequate response of the body to emotional factors
• Metabolic shock—impairment of the acid-base balance of the body

First Aid for Shock

Without even giving a second thought, the first thing you should do is to grab the phone and dial 911 or the emergency number in your locality. While waiting for the ambulance, you can try the following:

• Lay the patient down. Raise his legs 12 inches off the ground if you do not find his back, neck or head injured.Avoid elevating his head. If the person is bleeding or vomiting from mouth, turn him on side.
• Start the CPR if necessary. CPR for children and adults will differ. Keep checking the breathing every 5 minutes.
• Treat the injuries. Try your best to treatand manage the obvious injuries before the help arrives.
• Keep the personwarm and cozy. Rid him off the tight clothing. Wrap a blanket on him. Don’t let him move.

To know more about shock treatment, watch the following video: