Shock
Shock happens when not enough blood and oxygen can get to your organs and tissues. It causes very low blood pressure and may be life-threatening. It often happens along with a serious injury.
There are several kinds of shock. Hypovolemic shock happens when you lose a lot of blood or fluids. Causes include internal or external bleeding, dehydration, burns, and severe vomiting and/or diarrhea. Septic shock is caused by infections in the bloodstream. A severe allergic reaction can cause anaphylactic shock. An insect bite or sting might cause it. Cardiogenic shock happens when the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This may happen after a heart attack. Neurogenic shock is caused by damage to the nervous system.
Symptoms of shock include:
- Confusion or lack of alertness
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden and ongoing rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Pale skin
- A weak pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Decreased or no urine output
- Cool hands and feet
Shock is a life-threatening medical emergency and it is important to get help right away. Treatment of shock depends on the cause.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Shock
For shock, stimulants, especially Elixir Digitalin Compound: hypodermatic injections morphine and atropine. Among the best local remedies are carron oil (linseed oil and lime-water, equal parts, to which may be added 5 per cent. of carbolic acid), solution picric acid (picric acid, 37 grs.; alcohol, 1% fl. ozs.; water, (1. s. to make one pint), creosote water (to relieve pain); in less severe burns, carbolated oil (15 grs. to fl. oz.), Alkal-antiseptine, sodium carbonate in aqueous solution.1
The most important remedies are Elixir D igitalin Compound, N., B. & Co. and atropine hypodermatically. Subcutaneous injection of saline solution; ether. digitalis, alcohol are remedies of value. See Shock.1
Hypodermatic injection of atropine and digitalin; application of heat by hot water bags, etc.; intravenous injection of sterilized normal salt solution1