Shock

A dangerous drop in blood flow to the body's organs

Table of Contents

Quick Facts

  • Type: Medical emergency
  • Core problem: Not enough blood and oxygen reach organs
  • Common signs: Cold clammy skin, fast weak pulse, confusion
  • Action: Call emergency services immediately

Overview

Shock is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone is in shock, call emergency services (such as 911) immediately.

In medicine, shock means the circulation is failing to deliver enough blood and oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. This is different from the everyday meaning of being emotionally startled. When organs are starved of oxygen, they begin to fail, and without rapid treatment shock can be fatal.

There are several types of shock depending on the cause, but all are dangerous and require urgent care. Early recognition and treatment greatly improve the chance of survival.

Symptoms

Signs of shock can include:

  • Cold, pale, clammy, or sweaty skin
  • Rapid, weak pulse and fast, shallow breathing
  • Low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting
  • Confusion, anxiety, restlessness, or reduced alertness
  • Bluish lips and fingernails
  • Weakness, nausea, and reduced or no urine output

Symptoms can worsen quickly. A person who becomes drowsy, confused, or unresponsive needs emergency help right away.

Causes

Shock has several main types based on what disrupts circulation:

  • Low blood volume (hypovolemic): From severe bleeding, burns, or major fluid loss through vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Heart problems (cardiogenic): When the heart cannot pump effectively, such as after a heart attack.
  • Severe infection (septic): Widespread infection causing blood vessels to leak and widen.
  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic): A life-threatening allergic response.
  • Nervous system damage (neurogenic): After serious spinal cord injury.
  • Blockage (obstructive): Such as a large blood clot in the lungs.

Risk Factors

  • Serious injury, trauma, or heavy bleeding
  • Heart disease or a recent heart attack
  • Severe infection or a weakened immune system
  • Known severe allergies
  • Severe dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or burns

Diagnosis

Shock is recognized at the bedside from low blood pressure, a fast weak pulse, cool clammy skin, and altered alertness, together with the likely cause. In the hospital, doctors use blood tests, oxygen monitoring, heart tracings, and imaging to find the cause and guide treatment. Emergency care begins immediately and does not wait for all test results.

Treatment

Treatment is urgent and aims to restore blood flow and treat the underlying cause:

  • Emergency support: Oxygen, intravenous fluids, and medicines to support blood pressure and heart function.
  • Stopping bleeding or replacing lost blood when shock is due to blood loss.
  • Treating the cause: Antibiotics for infection, epinephrine for anaphylaxis, or procedures for heart and blood vessel problems.
  • While waiting for help: Have the person lie down, keep them warm, and do not give food or drink. If trained, control any severe bleeding and begin CPR if they stop breathing.

Prevention

  • Treat infections, heart conditions, and allergies promptly
  • Carry and use an epinephrine auto-injector if you have severe allergies
  • Stay hydrated, especially during illness with vomiting or diarrhea
  • Seek immediate care for serious injuries and heavy bleeding

When to See a Doctor

Call emergency services immediately if a person has cold clammy skin, a rapid weak pulse, confusion, fainting, bluish lips, or seems to be deteriorating after injury, infection, allergic reaction, or heart symptoms. While waiting, keep the person lying down and warm, do not give food or drink, and start CPR if they stop breathing and you are trained.

Related Topics

Sepsis

A severe infection that can cause septic shock.

 Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction that can lead to shock.

 Hemorrhagic Shock

Shock caused by severe blood loss.

 Cardiogenic Shock

Shock caused by a failing heart pump.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if someone is going into shock?

Call emergency services immediately. Have the person lie down and keep them warm, do not give food or drink, and control any severe bleeding if you can. Begin CPR if they stop breathing and you are trained. Stay with them until help arrives.

Is medical shock the same as being emotionally shocked?

No. Medical shock is a life-threatening failure of circulation that starves organs of oxygen. It is different from feeling emotionally startled or upset, although a frightening event can sometimes cause fainting that is not the same as true circulatory shock.

What are the warning signs of shock?

Common signs include cold, pale, clammy skin, a fast weak pulse, rapid breathing, dizziness or fainting, confusion or restlessness, and bluish lips. These can worsen quickly and require emergency care.

What causes shock?

Shock can result from severe bleeding or fluid loss, a failing heart, serious infection, a severe allergic reaction, major spinal injury, or a blockage such as a large clot in the lungs. All forms are emergencies that need immediate treatment.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.

References

  1. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Shock.
  2. Mayo Clinic. First aid: Shock.
  3. American Heart Association. CPR and emergency cardiovascular care.