Shock is a situation that occurs when the amount of oxygen in the body is very low and toxins accumulate that can damage various organs and endanger life.
Shock can come from several causes and, for each case, shock has a specific definition, such as anaphylactic, septic or hypovolemic shock.
- In case of suspected shock.
- It is very important to go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
- To start appropriate treatment and avoid serious complications.
- Treatment is most often done with admission to an intensive care unit to manufacture medicines directly into the vein and maintain constant observation of vital signs.
The types of shocks that occur most often include
This type of shock, also known as sepsis, occurs when an infection, located in one place, reaches the blood and spreads throughout the body, affecting several organs. Septic shock is generally more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as children, the elderly, or patients with lupus or HIV, for example.
Possible symptoms: Signs such as fever greater than 40 degrees Celsius, seizures, very high heart rate, accelerated breathing and fainting may occur. See other symptoms of septic shock.
How to treat: Treatment is done with the use of antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or azithromycin, directly into the vein. In addition, serum may need to be used in the vein and devices to help the patient breathe.
Anaphylactic shock occurs in people who have a very severe allergy to a substance, such as in some cases of nut allergy, bee stings or dog hair. This type of shock causes an exaggerated response of the immune system, causing inflammation of the respiratory system.
Possible symptoms: It is very common to feel the presence of a bullet stuck in the throat, as well as having an exaggerated swelling of the face, shortness of breath and an increase in heart rate.
How to treat: An adrenaline shot is needed as soon as possible to stop symptoms and prevent the person from breathing. Therefore, it is very important to go to the emergency room immediately or call a doctor for help by calling 192. Some people with a history of allergy or anaphylactic shock may carry an adrenaline pen in their bags or clothes to wear in these cases. . Know what to do in these cases.
Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is not enough blood to carry oxygen to the most important organs such as the heart and brain. This type of shock usually occurs after an accident when there is severe bleeding, which can be both external and internal.
Possible symptoms: Some symptoms include mild headache, excessive fatigue, dizziness, nausea, pale and cold skin, weakness and bluish lips. See other signs of hypovolemic shock.
How to treat: It is almost always necessary to undergo a blood transfusion to replenish the amount of blood lost, as well as to treat the cause that caused the onset of bleeding. Therefore, you should go to the hospital if bleeding is suspected.
This type of shock occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood through the body and, as a result, is more common after a case of heart attack, drug poisoning or widespread infection. However, people with arrhythmia, heart failure or coronary heart disease also have an increased risk of cardiogenic shock.
Possible symptoms: there is usually paleness, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, drowsiness and decreased urine.
How to treat it: it should be treated as soon as possible in the hospital to avoid cardiac arrest, and it is necessary to be hospitalized to make medicines in the vein or to have heart surgery, for example. Learn more about what it is and how to treat cardiogenic shock.
Neurogenic shock occurs when there is a sudden loss of nerve signals in the nervous system, causing irritation of the body’s muscles and blood vessels to stop. This type of shock is usually a sign of serious problems in the brain or spinal cord.
Possible symptoms: May include shortness of breath, decreased heart rate, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and decreased body temperature, for example.
How to treat: Treatment should be started quickly in the hospital with medications given directly into the vein to control symptoms and surgery to correct spinal or brain damage, if necessary.