What are the common pathophysiological changes in various types of shock?

The common pathophysiological changes in various types of shock generally include a sharp reduction in effective circulating blood volume, microcirculatory dysfunction, tissue and cellular hypoxia, metabolic disturbances, and multi-organ damage. If early signs of shock such as sudden drop in blood pressure or altered consciousness occur, immediate medical attention is recommended.

1. Sharp reduction in effective circulating blood volume: This is the initiating phase of shock. Regardless of the type of shock, loss of blood, fluid, or vasodilation leads to insufficient circulating blood volume, failing to meet the perfusion needs of tissues and organs, thus triggering a series of subsequent pathological changes.

2. Microcirculatory dysfunction: Following reduced effective circulating blood volume, the microcirculation first experiences ischemia, then progresses to congestion, and ultimately failure. This results in blood pooling within the microcirculation, further reducing blood supply to tissues and organs, creating a vicious cycle of "inadequate perfusion – microcirculatory dysfunction."

3. Tissue and cellular hypoxia: Microcirculatory dysfunction deprives cells of sufficient oxygen and nutrients. Cellular metabolism shifts from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, producing large amounts of lactic acid, exacerbating tissue injury. Meanwhile, cellular function gradually declines and may eventually lead to necrosis.

4. Metabolic disturbances: Hypoxia increases anaerobic metabolism, leading to metabolic acidosis. Additionally, the body's stress response elevates blood glucose levels and accelerates fat breakdown, causing electrolyte imbalances (such as hyperkalemia), further disrupting internal homeostasis and worsening organ dysfunction.

5. Multi-organ damage: Prolonged tissue hypoxia and metabolic disturbances can sequentially impair vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. Early stages manifest as functional abnormalities, while later stages may progress to irreversible multiple organ failure, which is the primary cause of death in shock patients.

In daily life, it is important to avoid excessive fatigue, maintain regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles) to enhance bodily resistance, actively manage underlying diseases, prevent triggers of shock such as infection and trauma, promptly adjust physical condition when discomfort arises, and preserve normal physiological functions.