It is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening.
Signs and symptoms of shock depend on thetype of shockthe patient is experiencing.
This article explains the symptoms of different categories of shock and how to respond to each one.
Zero Creatives / Getty Images
The term “shock” can have several different medical meanings.
The types of shock discussed in this article refer to life-threatening medical conditions.
“Shock” can also be triggered by an electric current or refer to an emotionally heightened state.
If external bleeding is the cause, there will be blood.
If bleeding into the gastric system is the cause, the patient might vomit blood or have bloody diarrhea.
If it’s hot or the patient has been exerting themselves, consider dehydration.
Symptoms of cardiogenic shock include:
The signs and symptoms of a heart attack can accompany cardiogenic shock.
It happens when something presses on the blood vessels inside the body.
Symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock occurs in response to potentially deadly allergies.
If you suspect shock, call 911 immediately and go to the hospital.
If decompensated shock is left untreated, it has a high likelihood of becoming fatal.
Summary
Different types of shock have different underlying causes and symptoms.
One thing all types of shock have in common is the potential for a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
2018;14(Suppl 2):54. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0283-4
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
Basodan N, Al Mehmadi AE, Al Mehmadi AE, et al.Septic shock: management and outcomes.Cureus.
2022;14(12):e32158.
doi:10.7759/cureus.32158
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is sepsis?
2018;35(3):461-466. doi:10.1089/neu.2016.4947
Kislitsina ON, Rich JD, Wilcox JE, et al.
Shock classification and pathophysiological principles of therapeutics.Curr Cardiol Rev.
2019;15(2):102-113. doi:10.2174/1573403X15666181212125024
