Understanding Shock: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Shock is defined as a lack of oxygen in the body's tissues. It is a life-threatening condition where the circulatory system fails to provide enough oxygenated blood to the body.

Causes of Shock

Shock can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Severe internal or external bleeding
• Loss of body fluids (e.g., dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting, or burns)
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Infections (e.g., septic shock)
• Spinal cord injury

Types of Shock

Hypovolemic Shock

Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is a lack of fluid or blood volume in the circulatory system. This results in the heart working harder to pump blood around the body.

A common cause of hypovolemic shock is significant blood loss, which can be due to internal or external bleeding.

Neurogenic Shock

Neurogenic shock is caused by a disruption in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) pathways, often following an injury to the central nervous system, such as a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury.

Complications include sustained and severe hypotension (low blood pressure) and bradycardia (slow heart rate), which can persist for weeks after the injury.

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The ANS is a part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for involuntary bodily functions, such as:

• Heart rate regulation
• Blood pressure control
• Respiration
• Digestion

The ANS has two main branches:

• Sympathetic nervous system: Prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses
• Parasympathetic nervous system: Promotes "rest and digest" activities

Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock is a critical condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This leads to inadequate blood flow to vital organs, which can cause severe complications.

It is most often caused by a major heart attack, though not everyone who has a heart attack will experience cardiogenic shock.

Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction to substances like food, insect stings, or medications. It is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms of Shock

The symptoms of shock include:

• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Weak pulse
• Sweating
• Pale, clammy, cold skin
• Blue-grey areas around the lips and extremities
• Weakness and dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Restlessness or aggressive behaviour
• Thirst, yawning, and sighing
• Loss of consciousness in severe cases

First Aid Treatment for Shock

If someone is in shock, follow these emergency steps:

1. Call emergency services (EMS) immediately.
2. Check for any visible injuries and provide appropriate treatment.
3. Lay the patient down and elevate their legs 15 to 30 cm to help blood flow to vital organs, unless it causes discomfort or worsens other injuries.
4. Keep the patient warm by covering them with a blanket or coat.
5. Reassure the patient to keep them calm.
6. Do not give them anything to eat or drink, as this could divert blood from vital organs to the stomach.
7. Monitor the patient carefully. If they stop breathing, begin CPR.

Fainting: A Mild Form of Shock

Fainting is often considered a mild form of shock. It can be treated by laying the person down and elevating their legs. In most cases, fainting does not require calling emergency services, as the person usually recovers quickly.