The state of shock is characterized by insufficient oxygenation of vital organs, which is caused by acute circulatory insufficiency, which can be caused by factors such as trauma, organ perforation, emotions, extreme cold or heat, surgery, among others.
Left untreated, shock can lead to death, so watch for symptoms such as paleness, low pulse, low blood pressure, or dilated pupils, for example, especially if the person has had an accident.Learn about the different types of shocks.
- It can identify a person in shock when they have pale.
- Cold.
- Sticky skin.
- Weak pulse.
- Slow and shallow breathing.
- Low blood pressure.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Dull eyes.
- Fixed gaze.
- And dilated pupils.
In addition, some people may experience nausea, chest pain, cold sweats and, in more severe cases, prostration and loss of consciousness.
When a person is in a state of shock, they may be conscious or unconscious, but in all cases it is important for the clinical observation of signs and symptoms by a healthcare professional.
Shock can be the result of major trauma, sudden organ perforation, stroke, sunstroke, burn, extreme cold exposure, allergic reaction, severe infection, surgery, emotions, dehydration, drowning or poisoning.
If the person is conscious, lie in an airy and safe place and try to loosen the body clothes, loosen the buttons and snaps and widen the ties and scarves, for example, but at the same time try to maintain normal body temperature You should also lift your legs slightly, at an angle of about 45 degrees and try to calm them down while calling the medical emergency.
If the person is unconscious, he or she should be placed in a lateral safety position and call the medical emergency department, which will be transferred to the hospital.Learn how to perform the safety side position.
In addition, it is important that the victim never receives a drink if he or she is unconscious.
Treatment depends on the type of shock the person is experiencing, so if they experience hypovolemic shock, they should stop bleeding and increase blood volume, administer fluids in the vein, and, in more severe cases, blood transfusion may be necessary and external wounds may be treated.
In case of cardiogenic shock, fluids in the vein, vasoconstrictor remedies and in more severe cases should be given, heart surgery may be necessary.
In case of neurogenic shock, in addition to the administration of fluids in the vein, corticosteroid administration may also be necessary and in septic shock treatment with antibiotics and ventilation is performed, in case the person has difficulty breathing.
Anaphylactic shock is treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids and adrenaline, obstructive shock is treated by eliminating the cause of obstruction and endocrine shock is controlled by drugs that correct hormonal imbalance.