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Summary

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

• Anaphylaxis: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish

• Shock (American College of Emergency Physicians)

• Shock: First Aid (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish

• Anaphylaxis-Like Reactions (National Jewish Health)

• Toxic Shock Syndrome (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

• Anaphylaxis (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish

• Sepsis (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish

• What Is Cardiogenic Shock? (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) Also in Spanish

• Anaphylaxis in Infants and Children (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish

• Anaphylaxis (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

• Cardiogenic shock (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

• Hypovolemic shock (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

• Septic shock (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish

• Shock (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish