The state of shock is usually characterized by a drop in blood pressure. This causes the body to not be able to carry enough oxygen and nutrients to the organs. Cardiovascular and other vital organs are affected due to reduced blood flow. Shock triggers a severe state of stress in the body and may require immediate intervention. When the body goes into shock, it initiates a series of automatic responses. Blood vessels constrict, heart rate increases, and the body attempts to increase blood flow to vital organs. However, these reactions do not resolve the shock state long-term and usually require professional medical intervention.
What is shock?
The body goes into shock, a situation in which the tissues cannot receive sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients. Shock is a life-threatening condition and needs to be treated immediately. Shock can occur for many different reasons. In shock, the amount of blood flowing to the tissues decreases. This prevents tissues from receiving oxygen and nutrients. Tissues left without oxygen are damaged and cannot perform their functions.
A person showing signs of shock should seek medical attention immediately. Shock can lead to death if not treated quickly. Shock treatment is aimed at eliminating the factor causing shock. For example, in case of shock due to bleeding, the bleeding is stopped. In case of shock due to heart failure, heart failure treatment is applied. Other methods used to treat shock include:
- oxygen therapy
- Medication
- serum treatment
- Surgical intervention
Shock is a reflection of the body’s self-protection mechanisms and is often associated with sudden and unexpected situations. Therefore, it is critical to seek professional help immediately when faced with a shock situation. Effective and rapid intervention can help the body return to balance and prevent long-term damage to vital organs.
What causes shock?
When body tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, they may go into shock. In case of shock, tissue damage may occur and dysfunction may occur. Therefore, going into shock is life-threatening. Factors that cause shock can be anything that prevents or reduces the tissues’ ability to receive oxygen and nutrients. The most common causes of shock are:
- Bleeding It causes a decrease in the blood that carries oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues. This may lead to symptoms of shock.
- Heart failure It is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body’s tissues. This situation causes a decrease in oxygen and nutrients in the tissues.
- pulmonary embolism It is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein leading to the lungs. This condition blocks blood flow to the lungs and causes a decrease in oxygen and nutrients in the tissues.
- Trauma It is a condition in which physical damage occurs to a part of the body. Trauma can cause bleeding and damage to tissues. This may lead to symptoms of shock.
- Poisoning It is the intake of harmful substances into the body. These substances can prevent the uptake of oxygen and nutrients in tissues.
- allergic reactions It is a state of overreaction of the body to foreign substances. Allergic reactions can cause blood vessels in the tissues to dilate and blood pressure to drop. This may lead to symptoms of shock.
What are the symptoms of the body going into shock?
In case of shock, the body shuts down some systems to save energy and maintain vital functions. The digestive system slows down so energy can focus on other urgent needs. The brain takes control to protect the body’s critical organs, which can cause a person to faint or even fall into a coma. Symptoms of shock may include:
- Rapid Breathing or Difficulty Breathing: In case of shock, the body requires more oxygen and therefore the respiratory rate may increase. However, respiratory failure may also occur.
- Fast Heartbeat: As blood pressure decreases, the heart may increase the heart rate by trying to pump more blood.
- Cold and Moist Skin: Reduced blood flow can cause the skin to become cold and clammy. This occurs because the body tries to direct blood from peripheral areas to the central organs.
- Yellowing (Paleness or Blackness of the Skin): Shock can reduce blood flow to the skin, causing it to appear pale or yellowish.
- Weakness and Fatigue: When the body cannot transport enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs, a person may feel sluggish and weak.
- Dizziness or Fainting: A drop in blood pressure may cause dizziness or fainting. This may mean that the body is not getting enough blood to the brain.
- Loss of consciousness: In case of shock, the risk of loss of consciousness may increase. This means the body may choose to shut down consciousness in order to protect vital organs.
If you see signs of shock in a person, you should call for emergency medical help immediately. A state of shock is an emergency and rapid response is often vital. However, before the intervention, the person can be placed in a position appropriate to the discomfort and his or her clothing can be loosened. However, in this case, professional medical help must be sought immediately.
What is psychogenic shock and what are its symptoms?
Psychogenic shock is a physiological response of the body to a traumatic event or stressful situation. This response manifests itself with symptoms such as increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate, sweating, tremors and fainting. Psychogenic shock is usually triggered by an unexpected and sudden traumatic event. These events include accidents, natural disasters, war, violence, sexual assault, and death.
Psychogenic shock may occur immediately after the traumatic event or several hours later. In some cases, it may occur days or weeks after the event. Symptoms of psychogenic shock may vary depending on the severity of the traumatic event and the person’s sensitivity to stress. In mild psychogenic shock, symptoms are short-lived and disappear on their own. In severe psychogenic shock, symptoms may last longer and require medical intervention. Symptoms of psychogenic shock include:
- Increase in heart rate
- drop in blood pressure
- Increased breathing rate
- Sweating
- Shake
- Faint
- Tiredness
- mental confusion
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Fear of death
One or more of these symptoms may be seen in a person experiencing psychogenic shock. If these symptoms occur, the person should be calmed and seek medical help.
How many cm should the feet be in the shock position?
In the shock position, the feet are approximately 30 cm above heart level. is removed. This makes it easier for blood to return to the heart from the lower parts of the body. The shock position is given as follows:
- The person is allowed to lie on his back.
- A support is placed under the legs so that the knees are bent and the feet are on the ground.
- The support is about 30 cm from the heart level of the feet. should be high.
The shock position is used as first aid for a person showing signs of shock. This position helps relieve symptoms of shock and prevent the person’s condition from worsening further. The points to be considered when applying the shock position are as follows:
- If the person has a neck injury, the head should be turned to the side.
- If the person is vomiting, they should be kept in a side position.
- The person should not be moved.
- The person should be kept warm.