Definition of Shock
- Shock is a condition in which the body's tissues and organs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly.
Types of Shock
- Hypovolemic Shock: Due to loss of blood or fluids, e.g. severe bleeding, burns, dehydration.
- Cardiogenic Shock: Due to failure of the heart to pump enough blood, e.g. myocardial infarction, heart failure.
- Distributive Shock: Due to vasodilation and loss of vascular tone, e.g. septic shock, anaphylactic shock.
- Obstructive Shock: Due to physical obstruction of blood flow, e.g. tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade.
Pathophysiology of Shock
- Decreased cardiac output → decreased blood pressure → decreased perfusion of tissues and organs.
- Activation of sympathetic nervous system → increased heart rate, blood pressure, and vascular resistance.
- Release of inflammatory mediators → vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels.
Clinical Features of Shock
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnea
- Hypotension
- Poor perfusion of tissues and organs
- Cool and clammy skin
- Decreased urine output
Investigations for Shock
- Electrolyte panel
- Complete blood count
- Blood cultures
- Arterial blood gas
- Echocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
Complications of Shock
- Organ failure (e.g. renal failure, respiratory failure)
- Sepsis
- Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
- Death
Management of Shock
- Fluid resuscitation
- Vasopressor therapy
- Inotrope therapy
- Mechanical ventilation
- Supportive care (e.g. antibiotics, cardiac pacemakers)
Homoeopathic Therapeutics for Shock
- Arsenicum album: for shock due to loss of fluids or electrolytes
- Aconitum: for shock due to trauma or injury
- Gelsemium: for shock due to cardiac failure or myocardial infarction
- Belladonna: for shock due to fever or infection
- Lachesis: for shock due to hemorrhage or severe bleeding
Homoeopathic Medicines for Shock
- Arsenic album 30: for shock due to loss of fluids or electrolytes
- Aconitum 30: for shock due to trauma or injury
- Gelsemium 30: for shock due to cardiac failure or myocardial infarction
- Belladonna 30: for shock due to fever or infection
- Lachesis 30: for shock due to hemorrhage or severe bleeding