Common Symptoms of Shock and How to Recognize Them

A person experiences a physical or psychological shock when reduced blood flow deprives organs and tissues of sufficient oxygen and nutrients. This potentially fatal illness impairs cellular activity. Since organ failure and even death may result from delaying shock treatment, prompt action is a must. This health condition is becoming more common due to the modern stressful lifestyle and neglect of health.

Different types of shock affect the organs, and each has different causes, symptoms, and treatments. This article will provide you with in-depth insight into shock causes, symptoms, initial management, and treatment.

What is Shock? Definitions and Risks

The first and foremost question is, what is shock? A critical state that denotes an inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients is shock. This insufficient supply is the result of the poor bloodstream. Underlying health issues, infections, or allergic reactions are some of the causes that result in shock. Regardless of causes and types, this life-threatening condition indicates the risk of organ dysfunction and death if treatment is not received on time. The risks attached to shock include;

• Organ failure
• Metabolic acidosis
• Cardiac arrest
• Brain damage
• Survival risk

In addition, complications like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) can affect the person who has suffered shock.

Different Types of Shock and Their Causes

There are different types of shock, each varying in the causes and treatment. Below are the 6 major kinds of shock;

1. Hypovolemic Shock

A trauma, accident, surgery, or internal bleeding can cause fluid loss from the body. Since the blood volume is reduced with fluid loss, insufficient blood flow and oxygen supply are the consequences. 

Other conditions, like diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, or excessive sweating, can also cause fluid loss and deprive organs and tissues of enough oxygen. Therefore, hypovolemic shock occurs when a person experiences breathing difficulties as a result of fluid loss.

The main causes of hypovolemic shock include hemorrhagic fluid loss of around 750-2000 ml due to trauma and excessive bleeding and non-hemorrhagic fluid loss because of diarrhea, dehydration, and burns.

2. Cardiogenic Shock

As the term “cardio” suggests, this shock type is the outcome of heart failure. When the heart fails to pump blood effectively, a person suffers cardiogenic shock. Heart failure lowers the required blood supply to body organs and tissues, causing a person to suffer from the symptoms of cardiogenic shock. This usually occurs due to a severe heart attack (myocardial infarction) and issues like heart failure, arrhythmias, or cardiomyopathy.

3. Septic Shock

This critical shock refers to the systemic inflammation and profound vasodilation caused by widespread infection. Infection in the urinary tract or stomach and pneumonia can cause septic shock. In this condition, blood vessels dilate and become more permeable, leading to low blood pressure and poor blood flow. 

Due to poor immunity, pregnant women, babies, and senior citizens are more likely to experience Septic Shock. Viruses, fungi, or bacteria can bring on infections that spread widely.

4. Anaphylactic Shock

Anaphylactic shock is a condition in which the immune system overreacts to allergy triggers. As a result of this response, histamine is released, increasing capillary permeability and causing fluid to leak from blood vessels. 

Anaphylactic shock may arise due to allergic reactions to food, such as shellfish, latex, eggs, medication side effects, insect bites, or other allergens. 

5. Neurogenic Shock

This type of shock results from spinal cord injury or damage. Blood artery disruption from this injury results in an elevated heart rate and inadequate blood flow. This mainly occurs due to any Injury to the spinal cord, autonomic nervous system toxins, or spinal anesthesia. 

6. Obstructive Shock

Obstructive shock results from a physical particle obstructing a blood vessel or airway. A blockage in the Pulmonary artery can cause it, air trapped in the Pulmonary space compressing heart and lung function, or an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium compressing the heart. This shock occurs due to a pulmonary embolism, a rip in the Aorta, tension pneumothorax, or thickened heart muscle. 

Read more: Step-by-step Guide to Becoming an EMT

Signs and Symptoms of Shock

Monitoring symptoms can help identify the shock condition and its type. Since treatment and self-care tips depend on the type, it is essential to know the signs of different shocks. Below are the symptoms to identify different types of shock.

1. Hypovolemic Shock

• Rapid and weak pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Cold skin and rapid breathing
• Reduced urine output
• Confusion and weakness

2. Cardiogenic Shock

• Chest pain and weak pulse
• Low blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Cold and clammy skin
• Low urine output
• Complex mental status or loss of consciousness

3. Septic Shock

• Fever or hypothermia
• Increased heart rate and heavy breathing
• Confusion and low BP
• Warm and flushed skin followed by cold and clammy skin
• Reduced urine output

4. Anaphylactic Shock

• Difficulty in breathing
• Rapid pulse with low BP
• Skin reaction, like itching and swelling of lips, throat, face, etc.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of consciousness

5. Neurogenic Shock

• Drop in blood pressure
• Decreased heart rate
• warm skin below the level of injury
• Absence of sweating
• Confusion or unconsciousness

6. Obstructive shock

• Rapid and weak pulse
• Dropped BP and difficulty in breathing
• Bluish skin
• Reduce urine output
• Mental status alteration

How is Shock Diagnosed?

The shock diagnosis starts with a clinical assessment followed by a health history analysis, various tests, and monitoring. Read below to understand how the shock type is diagnosed;

• Clinical Assessment: 

The first stage of diagnosis starts with monitoring symptoms like blood pressure, heart rhythm, and respiration rate. It is then followed by a physical examination, like evaluating the skin temperature to confirm whether it is cold or warm. Analyzing urine output and the presence of confusion or weakness are further steps to monitor the signs of shock.

• Patient History: 

After analyzing symptoms, the underlying conditions are examined. Medical reports let professionals know about allergic conditions or chronic illnesses and help identify the shock type.

• Diagnostic Test: 

The professional will then suggest a blood test that includes CBC, electrolysis, lactate levels, etc., to identify the shock. The diagnosis test also includes a chest X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound when obstructive shock symptoms are identified. ECG test is recommended to identify cardiac issues.

You should immediately seek medical help when you notice shock symptoms in a person. Emergency medical services are necessary when the person shows zero response to the initial first aid.

Medical Treatment for Shock

When you notice the symptoms of shock, you should immediately contact medical emergency service and provide it first. Delay in action can lead to severe organ damage and death of a person suffering from shock. Once the medical professionals diagnose the shock, the following measures are followed for treatment;

• Fluid Resuscitation: 

If excessive bleeding has caused shock, initial management includes controlling and stopping the blood loss. Intravenous (IV) Fluids are administered to restore blood volume, and a blood transfusion is required in the case of severe blood loss.  

To increase blood flow, crystalloids such as lactated Ringer’s solution or regular saline are utilized, especially in the treatment of hypovolemic and septic shock.

• Medications: 

Vasopressor medications, such as norepinephrine or epinephrine, are used to constrict blood vessels and boost blood pressure. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are also used to treat septic shock infections, while Epinephrine is used to relieve allergy symptoms. However, medications should be given only after the recommendation of a healthcare professional. 

• Underlying Cause Treatment: 

Underlying issues or internal bleeding can result in severe shock and impact the survival rate. In this case, surgical intervention or hemostatic measures are needed to control bleeding. 

Depending on the type of obstruction, needle decompression is used to relieve it in obstructive shock. Corticosteroids may be required to lessen allergy symptoms.

• Supportive Care: 

Oxygen support ensures a sufficient oxygen supply to tissues. Continuous monitoring is required to assess critical shock symptoms, therapy efficacy, and shock recovery.

Steps to Take When a Person Exhibits Signs of Shock

When someone shows signs of shock, quick action is critical. Let us learn how to position the patient, manage bleeding, and respond to various shock symptoms while awaiting professional medical help.

• Immediately contact the emergency medical service since professional intervention is necessary for the survival of the patient.
• Assess the situation and analyze the symptoms of socks for required first aid.
• Make sure the person is lying down in a comfortable position. If the patient is conscious, assist them in lying down with their legs elevated to promote blood flow to essential organs.
• Turn the person on their side if the person is bleeding from the mouth or vomiting.
• To cease excessive bleeding, put pressure on the wound using a clean cloth or a bandage.
• Avoid removing the object stuck in the wound. Do not feed the patient anything.
• The skilled individual should start CPR right away if the victim is unconscious as a result of dyspnea.

Read More: Anaphylaxis first aid: A silent life-saver

Self-care Tips to Prevent Shock

There are several ways you can avoid such medical emergencies. A healthy routine and basic knowledge about shock symptoms and first-aid are essential to tackle and prevent shock. Here are some self-care tips to prevent situations that cause shock;

• Shock can also result from heatstroke in severely hot conditions. Hence, hydration is essential, especially when the person is involved in excessive physical activities.
• Consistent monitoring of health conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or BP, is essential to prevent shock risks. Chronic disease patients also need routine check-ups to mitigate shock risks.
• If you have a known allergy, avoid triggers and carry epinephrine auto-injection if prescribed. Inform others about your allergies to prevent contact with triggers.
• Be prepared with first aid skills and CPR training to handle such unforeseen events and boost the survival rate.
• Protect yourself or the person who suffered shock from extreme weather conditions by wearing the right clothes.
• Eat a balanced diet for improved immunity and avoid excessive alcohol.
• Ensure safety while driving to avoid accidents that can cause hypovolemic shock.

Wrapping up

Shock is a serious condition caused by insufficient blood flow, which impairs cellular function and may lead to organ failure. There are different types of shock, each with varying causes, symptoms, risks, and treatment. Though medical service is mandatory, a layman should also know how to handle emergencies without getting panicked. Shock can lead to chronic conditions, brain damage, vital organ failure, and death. 

Considering the survival risks, symptoms of shock should be immediately reported to emergency medical services. CPR training is extremely helpful when providing first aid to shock patients. It also helps in various other situations where a person faints due to difficulty breathing. This knowledge and training can make you the savior of your loved one or the people around you. However, you need to be careful while acquiring CPR training and ensure you get CPR lessons from a licensed and reputed professional.