What are the clinical manifestations of shock?
Disease description:
A colleague of mine isn't in good health, but we don't know exactly what illness he has, as he hasn't told us. He used to frequently faint, and doctors said it was due to shock. I became curious: what are the clinical manifestations of shock?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Shock is an acute circulatory failure condition, which typically includes the following stages:
1. Early stage of shock:
The patient may be conscious but may experience restlessness, anxiety, and agitation. The face and skin appear pale, extremities are cold and clammy, and cold sweating occurs. Heart rate increases, and blood pressure may be elevated, normal, or decreased, but the pulse remains strong.
2. Middle stage of shock:
Consciousness becomes gradually impaired, with a dull expression and delayed responsiveness. The pulse becomes weak and rapid, systolic blood pressure may drop below 90 mmHg, and pulse pressure is less than 20 mmHg. Symptoms such as thirst and reduced urine output occur, and in severe shock, rapid breathing and even coma may develop.
3. Late stage of shock:
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and widespread visceral damage may occur, leading to multiple organ failure, including heart failure, respiratory failure, and renal failure. The skin may show cyanosis, mottling, or petechiae, and microcirculatory disturbances worsen. Blood pressure drops significantly, with decreases in both systolic and diastolic pressures, accompanied by an increased pulse rate.
If symptoms of shock occur, seek medical attention promptly.
