Shock is a situation that arises when the amount of oxygen in the body is too low and toxins accumulate, causing damage to various organs and putting life at risk.
The shock state may arise from a number of causes, and for each case the shock has a specific definition, such as anaphylactic, septic or hypovolemic shock.
When a case of shock is suspected, it is very important to go to the emergency room as soon as possible to initiate appropriate treatment and avoid serious complications. Treatment is almost always made by going to an ICU to make medicine directly into the vein and to keep a constant observation of the vital signs.
5 major type of shock
The types of shock that happen most often include:
1. Septic shock
This type of shock, also known as septicemia, arises when an infection, which was located in only one place, reaches the blood and spreads throughout the body, affecting several organs. Generally, septic shock is 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 above 40 ° C, convulsions, very high heart rate, rapid breathing, and fainting may appear. 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, it may be necessary to use serum in the vein and devices to help the patient breathe.
2. Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock occurs in people who have a very serious allergy to some substance, as in some cases of allergy to nuts, bee stings or dog hair, for example. This type of shock causes an exaggerated response of the immune system, generating inflammation of the respiratory system.
- Possible symptoms : It is very common to feel the presence of a ball stuck in the throat, as well as to show exaggerated swelling of the face, difficulty breathing and increased heartbeat.
- How to treat : An injection of adrenaline is needed as soon as possible to stop the symptoms and prevent the person from being unable to breathe. Therefore, it is very important to go immediately to the emergency room or call for medical help by calling 192. Some people with a history of allergy or anaphylactic shock may carry an adrenalin pen in the bag or clothing, which should be used in these cases. Understand what to do in these cases.
3. Hypovolemic shock
Hypovolemic shock arises when there is not enough blood to bring oxygen to the most important organs such as the heart and brain. Typically, this type of shock appears after an accident when there is severe bleeding, which can be both external and internal.
- Possible Symptoms : Some symptoms include mild headache, excessive tiredness, dizziness, nausea, pale and cold skin, feeling faint and blue lips. See other signs of hypovolemic shock.
- How to treat : It is almost always necessary to have a blood transfusion to replenish the amount of blood lost, as well as treat the cause that led to the onset of bleeding. Therefore, you should go to the hospital if there is a suspicion of bleeding.
4. Cardiogenic shock
This type of shock occurs when the heart stops being able to pump blood through the body and is therefore more frequent after a case of infarction, drug intoxication or generalized infection. However, people with arrhythmias, heart failure, or coronary heart disease are also at high risk for an episode of cardiogenic shock.
- Possible symptoms : usually paleness, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, and decreased amount of urine.
- How to treat : It needs to be treated as soon as possible in the hospital to avoid cardiac arrest, being necessary to be hospitalized to make medicines in the vein or to undergo cardiac surgery, for example. Learn more about what cardiogenic shock is and how it is treated.
5. Neurogenic shock
Neurogenic shock occurs when there is a sudden loss of nervous signals in the nervous system, leaving the muscles of the body and blood vessels unnerved. Typically, this type of shock is a sign of serious problems in the brain or spinal cord.
- Possible symptoms : may include difficulty breathing, decreased heart rate, dizziness, feeling faint, chest pain and decreased body temperature, for example.
- How to treat : Treatment should be started quickly in the hospital with administration of medicines directly into the vein to control symptoms and surgery to correct spinal or brain injuries if necessary.
