Shock types

Shock is a situation that arises when the amount of oxygen in the body is very low and toxins accumulate, which can cause damage to various organs and put life at risk.

The state of shock can arise from several causes and, for each case, shock has a specific definition, such as anaphylactic, septic or hypovolemic shock, for example.

When there is a suspicion of a shock case, it is very important to go to the emergency room as soon as possible, to start the appropriate treatment and avoid serious complications. Treatment is almost always done with admission to an ICU to make medicines directly in the vein and keep a constant observation of vital signs.

5 main 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 location, manages to reach the blood and spreads throughout the body, affecting several organs. Generally, septic shock is more frequent 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 40º 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 in 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 severe 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 have exaggerated swelling of the face, difficulty breathing and an increase in heart rate. 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 a doctor for assistance by calling 192. Some people with a history of allergy or anaphylactic shock may carry an adrenaline pen in their bag or clothing that 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 carry oxygen to the most important organs such as the heart and brain. Usually, this type of shock appears after an accident when there is a 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 bluish lips. See other signs of hypovolemic shock. How to treat: it is almost always necessary to have a blood transfusion to replace the amount of blood lost, as well as to treat the cause that led to the appearance of the hemorrhage. Therefore, you should go to the hospital if bleeding is suspected.

4. Cardiogenic shock

This type of shock happens when the heart is no longer able to pump blood through the body and, therefore, it is more frequent after a case of heart attack, drug intoxication or generalized infection. However, people with arrhythmias, heart failure or coronary heart disease also have a high risk of suffering an episode of cardiogenic shock.

• Possible symptoms: usually there is pallor, an increase in heart rate, a decrease in blood pressure, drowsiness and a decrease in the 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 medications in the vein or to have cardiac surgery, for example. Learn more about what it is and how to treat cardiogenic shock.

5. Neurogenic shock

Neurogenic shock occurs when there is a sudden loss of nerve signals from the nervous system, ceasing to unnervate the body's muscles and blood vessels. Usually, this type of shock is a sign of serious problems in the brain or spinal cord.

• Possible symptoms: may include difficulty in breathing, decreased heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint, chest pain and decreased body temperature, for example. How to treat: treatment should be started quickly at the hospital with administration of drugs directly into the vein to control symptoms and surgery to correct spinal or brain injuries, if necessary.