Definition:
Shock is a serious and life-threatening medical condition that happens when the body does not receive sufficient amount of blood causing the cells of the body to receive inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. Medical shock is a critical medical emergency and has been reported as one of the leading causes of death for seriously-ill patients.
There are four types of shock namely: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive and distributive shock. The most recent type of shock classified is endocrine shock, which is based on endocrine disruptions.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of shock is established by means of the patient’s symptoms in combination with other criteria. There are also laboratory exams aimed to provide diagnosis for shock.
Treatment:
On the onset, shock significantly necessitates urgent medical intervention with the main purpose of life preservation. Emergency hospitalization would then require proper management of shock through medical intervention aimed at restoring and maintaining blood circulation volume, achieving effective cardiac function and avoiding further complications.
Precise treatment approach to shock depends on the symptoms present and the originating cause of shock.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of shock depend on the type of shock experienced by a person. But the most common and general symptoms include the following:
• Anxiety and restlessness and altered mental state brought about by decreased blood flow in body tissues and consequent hypoxia.
• Rapid, weak and thready pulse
• Cold, clammy skin and usually mottled skin
• Rapid and shallow breathing pattern
• Excessively low body temperature
• Feeling of thirst and dry mouth
• Dilated pupils
• Distended jugular veins
• Fever
• Increased cardiac output
Causes:
Shock has several causes including low blood volume, inadequate pumping action of the heart or excessive widening of the blood vessels.
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