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About Shock





Hi friends,
How's been your day?
It's another beautiful Tuesday here and for our health talk today we'll be examining Shock. We will look at what it is, the types, symptoms and what to do.
Happy reading.
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What is shock?

This is a life threatening condition resulting from insufficient circulation of blood round the body.

Shock is classified as a medical emergency.
It often accompanies severe injuries or illness and can lead to other conditions such as hypoxia (low oxygen supply), cardiac arrest and vital organ damage.

Types of Shock.
1. Hypovolemic Shock
- Occurs due to reduced blood volume and consequent low blood pressure which results from the following;
*Severe heamorrhage.
*Severe vomitting and diarrhea
*Severe burns.

2. Cardiogenic Shock
-Occurs in a situation where there's not enough blood in circulation resulting from acute heart disease that weakens and damages the heart muscles. Eg Myocardial infarction, Cardiac failure.

3. Septic Shock
-Occurs in illnesses resulting from severe infections from baterial toxins which when released into circulation can lead to shock. The toxins released into the blood stream cause a widespread vasodilation of the blood vessels and sudden drop in blood pressure.

4. Neurogenic Shock.
This is caused by spinal injury most times from road traffic accidents.

5. Anaphylactic Shock
This oocurs as a severe type of allergic reaction to certain foods, drugs, insect stings and others.

Signs and Symptoms of Shock.

1. Low blood pressure.
2. Rapid shallow breathing.
3. Cold, clammy skin.
4. Rapid, weak pulse.
5. Dizziness
6. Fainting.

 What to do.

1. Seek immediate medical help. Shock is a medical emergency.
2. While waiting for help you can do the following;
*keep the victim lying down, preferably in a reclining position. This helps to reduce the work load on the heart.

* Elevate the victim's feet and legs. This encourages return of blood to the heart.

* Conserve body heat. Keep the victim warm, particularly in cold weather, by placing him on a blanket or otherwise, protecting him from the cold floor or ground. But avoid overheating him.

* Keep the victim quiet, avoid unnecessary questions and conversations as this may drain his remaining energy.

*Administer drinking water cautiously when requested for by the victim. A sip at a time will do.

* Get the victim to the hospital as soon as possible.


Photo credit: YouTube.com
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