Hypovolemic Shock Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Hypovolemic shock is a condition when the body loses more than 20 percent of blood or fluids. This heavy fluid loss makes it harder for the heart to pump blood properly throughout the body.
This condition can cause organ failure and requires immediate treatment. Hypovolemic shock is the most common type of shock. Children and the elderly are the groups most vulnerable to this condition.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock depend on the severity of the fluid or blood loss that occurs. It is important to remember that in principle the symptoms of shock can be life-threatening and require immediate treatment.
Signs of internal bleeding are sometimes also difficult to recognize until signs and symptoms of shock appear. Conversely, external bleeding will be more visible. However, signs of shock due to bleeding also do not always appear immediately. Older people may not even show any special signs or symptoms until the shock has reached a severe degree.
Some of the signs and symptoms of mild shock can include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nauseous
- Excessive sweating
Some of the signs and symptoms of severe shock that require immediate treatment can include:
- The skin is pale and feels cold
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Fast heart rate
- Reduced or no urine production
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Weak pulse
- Bluishness of the lips or fingers
- Loss of consciousness
If there is external bleeding, blood flow will appear from one part of the body where the injury occurred. However, in internal bleeding, this is not always easy to recognize.
Some of the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Stools accompanied by blood
- Black stools
- Bloody urine
- Vomiting accompanied by blood
- Chest pain
- Swelling in the abdomen
Reason
Hypovolemic shock results from a sudden and significant loss of blood or fluid from the body. Large blood loss can result from:
- Bleeding from a large wound
- Bleeding due to blunt force trauma injuries, whether due to accidents or other causes
- Internal bleeding from organs in the abdomen, or a ruptured ectopic pregnancy (tearing tissue)
- Bleeding from the digestive tract
- Significant bleeding from the sex organs
In addition to direct blood loss, loss of body fluids can also cause a decrease in blood volume. This can occur due to:
- Prolonged or high-frequency diarrhea
- Severe burns
- Excessive vomiting
- Excessive sweating
Blood delivers oxygen and other important substances to all organs and tissues of the body. When there is heavy bleeding, the amount of blood circulating in the body becomes reduced and there may not be enough for the heart to pump blood effectively.
When blood volume decreases more rapidly than it is replaced, organs begin to decline in function, and symptoms of shock can develop. Blood pressure can also decrease, which will also be life-threatening if not treated quickly and appropriately.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hypovolemic shock can be determined through detailed medical interviews, direct physical examinations, and certain supporting examinations. Generally, the physical examination will show signs such as a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate.
People who are in shock also appear less responsive when spoken to. In hypovolemic shock due to external bleeding, the source of the bleeding will be immediately visible during a complete physical examination.
Several types of investigations that can be performed to diagnose hypovolemic shock, depending on needs, include:
- Blood tests, to check for electrolyte imbalances and liver and kidney function
- Computerized tomography (CT-scan) or ultrasonography (USG) examination to evaluate the body’s organs
- An echocardiogram examination, which uses sound waves to evaluate the structure of the heart
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) examination to assess heart rhythm
- Endoscopic examination to evaluate the organs of the digestive tract
Treatment
Individuals diagnosed with hypovolemic shock will receive treatment by administering fluids and blood products, as needed. This transfusion is done through venous access, to replace lost blood and improve blood circulation.
The main goals of this treatment are to control fluid and blood loss, replace lost fluids and blood, and stabilize the damage that causes and is caused by hypovolemic shock. This also includes treating any injuries or illnesses related to the condition.
In addition, doctors can also provide medication that can increase the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body, in order to improve blood circulation. If it is proven that there is a bacterial infection underlying the disease, the doctor can also give antibiotics.
Prevention
Prevention of hypovolemic shock depends on the cause that gave rise to the condition. For example, hypovolemic shock due to bleeding from an injury. This can be prevented by using personal protective equipment to avoid blunt force trauma when carrying out certain high-risk activities.
Some activities that have a risk for hypovolemic shock are sports exercises that come in direct contact with collisions. Likewise, if you work in a place with a high risk of injury or ride two wheels and similar activities.