Shock
Shock (not to be confused with emotional shock) is a life-threatening condition which happens when the body isn’t getting enough flow of blood.
This means that the cells don’t get enough oxygen to enable them to work properly, which can lead to damage of the vital organs like the brain and the heart.
Shock can be caused by anything that reduces the flow of blood, including:
• heart problems, such as a heart attack, or heart failure
• severe internal or external bleeding
• loss of body fluids, from dehydration, diarrhoea, vomiting or burns
• severe allergic reactions and severe infection
If someone has any of the conditions above, which can reduce the circulation or blood flow, they could develop shock, so you may need to treat them for this condition as well.