Shock

Shock is a critical medical condition characterised by a sudden drop in blood flow throughout the body, leading to insufficient oxygenated blood to sustain vital functions. It can result from various causes, including trauma, serious infection, blood loss, or allergic reactions, and may present symptoms such as low blood pressure, weakness, and chest pain. There are several types of shock, which are listed in the box below.

There are many different types of shock, such as hypovolemic, cardiogenic, septic, and psychological shock.

Each of these occurs with different causes, which are listed below:

Hypovolemic (loss of blood or fluids)

Causes of Hypovolemic shock:

• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Bleeding
• Burns

Signs of Hypovolemic shock:

• Pale, cold, clammy skin
• Rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Thirst
• Fast shallow breathing
• Anxiety or confusion

Cardiogenic (pump failure)

Causes of Cardiogenic shock:

• Heart attack
• Severe heart failure
• Arrhythmias

Signs of Cardiogenic shock:

• Pale, cold, clammy skin
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain (often)
• Pulmonary edema
• Distended neck veins (may be present)

Septic (severe infection)

Causes of Septic shock:

• Bacterial infection → systemic inflammatory response

Early signs of Septic shock (Warm shock):

• Warm, flushed skin
• Fever
• Bounding pulse
• Rapid breathing

Late signs of Septic shock (Cold shock):

• Cold, clammy skin
• Hypotension
• Confusion

Psychological (psychogenic shock)

Causes of psychogenic shock:

• Fear
• Pain
• Emotional stress

Signs of psychogenic shock:

• Pale skin
• Bradycardia
• Temporary drop in blood pressure
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea
• Sweating