Shock is a threatening life condition of circulatory failure which causes inadequate oxygen delivery to meet cellular metabolic needs and oxygen consumption requirements, producing cellular and tissue hypoxia. The effects of shock are initially reversible but rapidly become irreversible, resulting in multiorgan failure (MOF) and death. When a patient presents with undifferentiated shock, it is important that the clinician immediately initiate therapy while rapidly identifying the etiology so that definitive therapy can be administered to reverse shock and prevent MOF and death.
Types of shocks
There are four types of shocks. these are;
1. Anaphylactic shock
2. Cardiogenic shock
3. Hypovolemic shock
4. Septic shock
What is anaphylactic shock?
Anaphylactic shock is a severe, sudden allergic reaction that can occur after exposure to an allergen. Symptoms include swelling of the face and throat, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. This situation is dangerous. If not treated quickly, it can lead to serious problems and even death.
what is a cardiogenic shock?
Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is unable to deliver enough blood to the vital organs of the body.
As a result, the heart is unable to pump enough nutrients to the body, blood pressure drops and organs can begin to fail. A heart attack is rare, but when it does happen, it is a serious medical emergency. Almost no one survives a heart attack in the past. Today, half of people who experience cardiac arrest survive with prompt treatment. This is due to improved treatment and early identification of symptoms.
what is Hypovolemic shock?
Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when more than 15% of blood or body fluids are lost and the heart’s function is compromised. It can result from any type of fluid loss, for example, as a result of dehydration or diarrhea.
Heavy fluid makes it harder for the heart to pump enough blood to the body. As fluid loss increases, hypovolemic shock can lead to organ failure. This requires immediate medical attention.
what is septic shock?
Septic shock This type of shock is caused by infection or sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, chills, and fever. Septic shock is a medical emergency and requires treatment in a hospital.
WHAT CAUSES SHOCKS IN GENERAL?
Anything that affects the flow of blood through your body can cause shock. Some causes of shock include:
- severe allergic reaction
- significant blood loss
- heart failure
- blood infections
- dehydration
- poisoning
- burns
How is shock treated?
Shock can lead to unconsciousness, breathing problems, and even cardiac arrest:
If you suspect that you are in shock, seek medical help immediately.
If you suspect someone else is in shock, call 911 and provide first aid until professional help arrives.
first aid
If you suspect someone is in shock, call 911. Then follow these steps:
If he is unconscious, check to see if he is still breathing and if his heart is beating.
If no breathing or heartbeat is detected, start CPR.
If you are breathing:
Put them face up.
Raise your feet at least 12 inches off the ground. This position, known as the shock position, helps direct blood to your vital organs where it’s needed most.
Cover him with a blanket or extra clothing to help keep him warm.
Check your breathing and heart rate regularly to see if there are any changes.
If you suspect that the person has been hit in the head, neck, or back, avoid moving them.
Apply first aid to any visible wounds. If you suspect a person is having an allergic reaction, ask if they have an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). People with severe allergies often carry this device.
It contains an easy needle to inject with a dose of a hormone called epinephrine. You can use it to treat anaphylaxis.
If you start to vomit, turn your head to the side. This helps prevent choking. If you suspect a neck or back injury, avoid turning your head. Instead, he stabilizes his neck and turns his entire body to one side to eliminate vomit.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF SHOCKS
Your doctor’s treatment plan for shock will depend on the cause of your condition. Different types of injuries are dealt with differently. For example, your doctor may use:
Epinephrine and other drugs for the treatment of anaphylactic shock
Blood transfusions to replace blood loss and treat hypovolemic shock
Medicines, heart surgery, or other interventions to treat heart attack
Antibiotics to treat septic shock.