shock
acute circulatory failure when the arterial BLOOD PRESSURE is too low to provide the normal blood supply to the body. The signs are a cold, clammy skin, PALLOR , CYANOSIS , weak rapid PULSE , irregular breathing and dilated pupils. There may also be a reduced flow of URINE and confusion or LETHARGY . There are numerous causes of shock, from a reduction in blood volume following a burn, external bleeding, dehydration, etc, to reduced heart activity, as in CORONARY THROMBOSIS , PULMONARY EMBOLISM , etc. Certain other circumstances may produce shock, including severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock, see ANAPHYLAXIS ), drugs overdose, emotional shock, etc.
Shock happens when not enough blood and oxygen can get to your organs and tissues. It causes very low blood pressure and may be life-threatening. It often happens along with a serious injury.
There are several kinds of shock. Hypovolemic shock happens when you lose a lot of blood or fluids. Causes include internal or external bleeding, dehydration, burns, and severe vomiting and/or diarrhea. Septic shock is caused by infections in the bloodstream. A severe allergic reaction can cause anaphylactic shock. An insect bite or sting might cause it. Cardiogenic shock happens when the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This may happen after a heart attack. Neurogenic shock is caused by damage to the nervous system.
Symptoms of shock include:
- Confusion or lack of alertness
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden and ongoing rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Pale skin
- A weak pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Decreased or no urine output
- Cool hands and feet
Shock is a life-threatening medical emergency and it is important to get help right away. Treatment of shock depends on the cause.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
shock