Symptoms

First Aid Guide to Shock: Types, Symptoms & Causes

Author Bowtie Team

Updated on 2025-08-11

Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.

Shock is a life-threatening medical emergency that can strike unexpectedly. The Bowtie team breaks down the different types of shock, key symptoms, potential causes, and offers a step-by-step first aid guide plus essential tips for recognizing this critical condition.

What is Shock? Definition and Symptoms

Shock (English: Shock) is a serious state of circulatory system failure in the body , usually caused by persistent low blood pressure and insufficient blood perfusion. Shock is a critical condition; if not treated promptly, it may lead to organ failure and death . Here are its main symptoms:

Low blood pressure : Blood pressure drops, possibly leading to dizziness, fainting, and a sense of weakness.
Rapid and weak heartbeat : Heartbeat accelerates and becomes weak, as the body tries to compensate for insufficient blood flow.
Weakness and fatigue : Due to tissues and organs not receiving enough blood and oxygen, patients may feel weak and fatigued.
Cold sweats and pale complexion : Due to insufficient blood flow, skin may become clammy and pale.
Frequent reduction in urine output : Due to insufficient blood supply, kidneys may not function normally, leading to decreased urine output.
Confusion and altered consciousness : Severe shock may cause brain hypoxia, leading to confusion, altered consciousness, or coma.
Breathing difficulties : Due to insufficient blood flow from shock, lungs may not get enough oxygen, leading to breathing difficulties.
Multiple organ failure : If shock is not treated promptly, insufficient blood and oxygen supply may lead to failure of multiple organs, endangering life.

5 Types of Shock and Their Causes

Shock can be classified into 5 main types based on different causes and mechanisms. Here are some common types of shock:

Hypovolemic Shock

This type of shock is caused by insufficient body fluid volume (such as blood), for example, from massive bleeding, severe dehydration, burns, etc. Insufficient blood volume leads to a drop in blood pressure and reduced effective circulating volume.

Cardiogenic Shock

This type of shock is caused by the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, for example, from myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, etc. Impaired heart pumping function leads to insufficient effective circulating volume.

Obstructive Shock

This type of shock is caused by obstruction in the circulatory system, for example, cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, severe pneumothorax, etc. The obstruction prevents blood from circulating effectively throughout the body.

Distributive Shock

This type of shock is caused by vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, leading to uneven distribution of effective circulating volume in dilated vessels. Common distributive shocks include septic shock, anaphylactic shock, and neurogenic shock.

Metabolic Shock

This type of shock is caused by severe metabolic disorders, for example, severe diabetic ketoacidosis, severe renal failure, etc. Metabolic disorders prevent the body from maintaining normal physiological functions.

Each type of shock has its unique clinical features and treatment methods. Determining the type of shock requires a detailed assessment and diagnosis of the patient to select the appropriate treatment strategy.

Septic Shock vs Anaphylactic Shock

Septic shock and anaphylactic shock are two distinct types of shock, each with unique causes and clinical features.

Septic Shock

This is a shock state triggered by a severe infection. When your body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, it releases a flood of inflammatory mediators. These cause blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, leading to a drop in blood pressure and poor blood flow to organs. Septic shock is often caused by bacterial infections, like sepsis. Symptoms include fever, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and multiple organ failure.

Anaphylactic Shock

This is a severe allergic reaction, typically sparked by your body’s sensitivity to a specific substance (like medications, foods, or insect stings). When exposed to an allergen, the immune system unleashes a surge of reaction mediators, including histamine and other inflammatory agents. These lead to vessel dilation and increased permeability, causing a quick plunge in blood pressure and inadequate blood flow. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include skin redness, hives, breathing issues, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and nausea.

In a nutshell, the key difference between these two shock states boils down to their causes . Septic shock stems from a serious infection, while anaphylactic shock arises from an allergic response.

That said, both share clinical signs like vessel dilation, low blood pressure, and poor perfusion, which can escalate to multiple organ failure. In either scenario, spotting it early and getting prompt treatment is key to boosting survival odds—because time really is of the essence.

How to Give First Aid to Shock Patients?

Giving first aid to someone in shock is a critical and urgent task. Here’s a general guide to help you act fast:

Call Emergency Services Right Away : Dial your local emergency number (like 999 ) and alert the center that someone is showing shock symptoms. Give them your exact location details.
Ensure Safety First : Before jumping in, make sure you and the patient are safe. If needed, clear away any hazards or risky objects nearby.
Keep the Airway Clear : Make sure the patient’s airway is open. If they’re not breathing or struggling, start artificial respiration or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Boost Blood Circulation : Elevate the patient’s legs to encourage blood flow back to vital organs. Have them lie flat if possible, and offer comfortable support as needed.
Maintain Body Temperature : Keep their temperature steady. Cover them up to avoid losing too much heat or getting chilled.
Avoid Oral Fluids : Don’t give anything to drink or eat while they’re in shock—it could cause choking or add to breathing strain.
Monitor Vital Signs : Keep a close eye on their condition, tracking heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and alertness. Share these updates with arriving paramedics.

This is a basic first-aid outline, but steps can vary based on the situation and patient. Remember, the top priority is getting professional medical help ASAP—don’t play hero alone!

What’s the Difference Between Shock and Coma?

In summary, shock is a state of inadequate blood flow throughout the body, while coma is a state of loss of consciousness. Shock affects organ function due to insufficient blood supply, whereas coma results from impaired brain function leading to unconsciousness. Both are emergencies requiring prompt medical intervention and assessment.

How Long Until Shock Leads to Death?

According to research data , 96% of hypovolemic shock patients die within 24 hours.

Sources

Author

Bowtie Team

The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer approved. Through the use of modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers an agent-free, commission-free and more convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply and claim for Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) anytime anywhere. Bowtie is ranked first in the direct channel sales throughout 2021. Stay up to date at www.bowtie.com.hk