Types of shock include septic shock, anaphylactic shock, hypovolemic shock, cardiogenic shock, and neurogenic shock.
Shock is a potentially life-threatening condition in which blood flow to important organs in the body is compromised, affecting the function of vital organs like the brain or the heart.
Shock can be classified into different types based on cause, which includes infections, serious injuries associated with significant blood loss, and allergic reactions.
People with suspected shock require immediate evaluation at the closest emergency department. Treatment typically involves admission to the hospital for IV fluids and medications to control blood pressure.
The main types of shock are:
1. Septic shock
Septic shock is a complication of sepsis that occurs when an infection reaches the bloodstream, resulting in organ malfunction and low blood pressure.
Symptoms: Septic shock can cause symptoms like a temperature higher than 100.4°F (38ª C), seizures, shortness of breath, and drowsiness.
Main causes: Septic shock is typically caused by infections, such as pyelonephritis and pneumonia, especially infections caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics. The risk of septic shock is higher in children, the elderly, and people with conditions like lupus or HIV.
Treatment: Septic shock is treated with medications like antibiotics and vasopressors in addition to IV fluids. Supplemental oxygen may also be necessary along with machines to help a person breathe.
2. Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that can happen to people with allergies to certain foods or medications, causing severe inflammation and a drop in blood pressure.
Symptoms: Anaphylactic shock often presents with symptoms like swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and fainting.
Main causes: Anaphylactic shock is typically triggered by insect bites, eating foods like walnuts or almonds, and taking certain medications.
Treatment: Anaphylactic shock is treated with adrenaline shots, medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and IV fluids. People with symptoms of anaphylactic shock need to be seen immediately in the emergency department.
3. Hypovolemic shock
Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is not enough blood to bring oxygen to vital organs like the heart and the brain. This type of shock is common in cases of heavy bleeding or excessive water loss in the body.
Symptoms: Symptoms of hypovolemic shock include extreme thirst, excessive tiredness, dizziness, cool skin, drowsiness, presyncope, confusion, and accelerated heart rate.
Main causes: Hypovolemic shock can happen as a result of gastroenteritis, incorrect use of diuretic medications, extensive burns, and heavy bleeding from injuries, surgeries, or accidents.
Treatment: Hypovolemic shock is typically managed with IV fluids and blood transfusions in the case of heavy bleeding. It is also important to identify and treat the underlying cause in order to prevent further loss of blood or fluids.
4. Cardiogenic shock
Cardiogenic shock happens when the heart has difficulty pumping blood to the rest of the body, resulting in insufficient blood flow to organs like the heart and kidneys.
Symptoms: Symptoms of cardiogenic shock include confusion, irregular heart beat, drowsiness, shortness of breath, and swelling in the body, particularly the legs.
Main causes: Cardiogenic shock can be caused by a heart attack, decompensated heart failure, severe arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.
Treatment: Treatment of cardiogenic shock typically involves IV fluids and medications to control blood pressure and improve cardiac function. Treatment of the underlying cause is also necessary to allow the heart to recover and may sometimes require surgery.
5. Neurogenic shock
Neurogenic shock develops when control of the blood vessels by the nervous system is compromised due to brain or spinal cord injuries, resulting in inadequate blood flow to organs like the heart and kidneys.
Symptoms: People with neurogenic shock can present with difficulty breathing, slowed heart beat, drowsiness, fainting, skin that is red and warm to the touch, and poor temperature control.
Main causes: Neurogenic shock is caused by severe blows or injuries to the brain and spinal cord, which can happen from being involved in a car accident or getting hit by a car.
Treatment: Neurogenic shock is treated with IV medications to control blood pressure and heart rate if it is low. Treatment may also involve surgery in some cases to allow the brain and spinal cord to recover.