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WHAT  IS  SHOCK?

Most people use the word shock to describe the emotional distress that can follow a traumatic event. When doctors use the term shock, however, they are referring to the potentially life-threatening state that can occur after a serious injury to the body.

 

• Shock can develop as a result of any situation in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, or in which there is too little blood to pump.
• The result is that there is not enough blood circulating around the body, and even in mild conditions treatment is important to prevent damage to the body's organs. When first aid is given for shock, the whole body needs to be taken into account, not just the initial injury. 
• A child is most likely to go into shock due to severe bleeding, or a severe burn or scald. These injuries require immediate medical treatment. 

Shock is a serious condition and urgent medical help should be sought. In the meantime, lay your child down and treat any injury.

 

Causes of shock

 

Shock can be caused by any condition that impairs the circulation of blood. There are a range of conditions that may result in circulatory shock.

 

Serious bleeding: this is the most common cause of shock in which blood loss reduces supply to the body's vital organs.

 

Electric shock: this can affect the function of the heart, so that it becomes unable to pump any blood around the body efficiently.

 

Head injury: may cause bleeding into the skull.

 

Severe burns: these cause vital fluids to be lost through the skin, reducing blood volume.

 

Poisoning:  certain poisons affect the heart and or lungs, preventing them from functioning normally.

 

Heatstroke: this causes dehydration and can result in a serious drop in blood pressure.

 

Dehydration: as water is lost from the body, blood volume is decreased.

 

Meningitis: infection affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen, and fluid is lost through the walls of

 

Recognizing the signs of shock

 

The symptoms of shock can be very varied, so if your child suffers an injury, no matter how mild, you should monitor him very closely for some time afterwards. Check for any signs of the following:

 

• An uncharacteristic change in behavior; your child may become very quiet for example, or extremely distressed. 
• Light-headedness or feeling faint.
• Pale, cold and clammy skin. 
• A weak and irregular pulse. 
• Irregular, rapid and shallow breathing. 

There may also be the following symptoms:

 

• A vacant expression and enlarged pupils. 
• Trembling and shivering. 
• Nausea and vomiting. 
• Loss of bladder or bowel control. 

 Emergency measures

 

It is essential to call an ambulance if your child has gone into shock because he will require urgent medical attention. While you are waiting for the ambulance, there are a number of things you can do to help alleviate your child's symptoms.

 

Make sure your child is lying down and carefully elevate his feet to help increase the circulation of blood to the brain. However, DO NOT do this if your child has a head injury. 

Loosen any tight clothing at your child's neck to help him breathe more easily. Monitor his breathing and pulse. 

Cover your child with a blanket. Once your child is stabilized, treat the injury that caused the shock, for example dress a bleeding wound. 

First Maid tips 

• Do not move your child until the ambulance arrives, but gently loosen his clothing. 
• If your child is thirsty, wet his lips with water. Do not give him any fluids if he has abdominal injuries. 
• Speaking to your child in a reassuring voice may help to calm him down and reduce the effects of shock. 
• Continue to check your child's breathing every 10 minutes until the ambulance arrives. 
• Resuscitate your child if his breathing and pulse stop. 

Hospital treatment

 

Once your child arrives at the hospital, the doctors will work quickly to restore the supply of blood and oxygen to his organs.

 

• This may mean giving your child oxygen via a face-mask, and administering intravenous fluids (putting him on a drip), Or even performing a blood transfusion if blood loss is severe. 
• Once the cause of the shock has been established, this will also be treated, for example surgery may be required to repair an internal wound, or antibiotics to combat infection. 

ALLERGIC SHOCK

 

Allergic shock (anaphylactic shock) is a condition in which the body has a serious reaction to an outside factor, such as an insect bite or food.

 

Why it happens: this is a life­ threatening form of shock, caused by a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Some people are sensitive, so that certain substances such as penicillin, wasp stings or foods, such as nuts or shellfish, can cause their body to have a serious reaction. The allergic reaction leads to the person going into shock, and death can result within minutes if appropriate treatment is not given. The symptoms of this form of shock are far more pronounced than normal shock

 

Symptoms: the skin may become red and itchy and begin to burn; the face or tongue will swell; there will be difficulty breathing as the throat swells and the chest tightens and consciousness may be lost.

 

Treatment: your child will require an injection of adrenaline to combat the allergic reaction. People who suffer from anaphylaxis are usually aware of their condition and so carry life-saving medication with them at all times, but a child will require help taking this. If your child suffers a severe reaction to anything for the first time, however, it is essential that you call an ambulance immediately. In the meantime, talk to him to keep him as calm as possible and give first aid to assist his breathing if necessary.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.