Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Hypovolemia is caused by a decrease in the volume of fluid in the vascular bed, e.g. due to blood loss. When shock is suspected, first aid should be provided as soon as possible. What is the emergency procedure for a hypovolemic shock?
What is hypovolemia?
Hipowolemia is a disorder of the cardiovascular system that results from a sudden decrease in blood, plasma and other extracellular fluids in the blood vessels. How does this mechanism work? Poorly filled blood vessels do not supply the heart with enough blood, which prevents it from working properly. Hypovolemic shock is a medical emergency. Its consequence is hypoxia of organs in the human body, which disrupts their work and efficiency. If the person being we shakes does not receive specialist help in the shortest possible time, he may die.
Hypovolemia – symptoms of shock
Symptoms hypovolemic shock, depending on the level of blood lost or the amount of lost body fluids, there are mainly:
- imperceptible or faintly perceptible pulse,
- low blood pressure that leads to hypoxia
- anxiety,
- weakness of the body,
- pale skin tone,
- chills and hyperhidrosis,
- rapid but shallow breathing
- dehydration.
When shock deepens into the above-mentioned symptomsthere is also a loss of consciousness or fainting. Why is this happening? The peripheral vessels in the body contract, leading to pale or cold skin, which ensures blood supply to the most important organs and the brain.
Hypovolemia – causes of shock
Hipowolemia it can be caused both by internal hemorrhage, which cannot be observed without specialized equipment, and external hemorrhage, during which we are able to notice a lot of blood loss. Common causes hypovolemia have:
- significant blood loss, for example gastrointestinal bleeding,
- shock after trauma,
- burns where plasma is lost from wounds on the skin,
- anaphylaxis, or vasodilation in an anaphylactic reaction – the blood volume is correct, but not sufficient to fill the enlarged vessel.
Other causes of shock include dehydration in the case of severe vomiting and diarrhea, loss of blood and body fluids as a result of skin burns.
An adult body contains 4 to 5 liters of blood. During minor blood losses in the circulatory system, blood vessels automatically constrict or dilate. This is due to the hormones secreted by the adrenal glands – adrenaline and norepinephrine, which regulate changes in blood volume.
Hypovolemic shock – emergency procedure
Hipowolemia requires quick and specialized treatment. When dealing with external hemorrhage, first aid is based on its stopping and sufficient hydration of the body.
On the other hand, in the case of internal hemorrhage, the first stage of saving life is to replenish the blood volume in the blood vessels by transfusing physiological fluids. Secondly, if there is such a need, qualified personnel gives the patient measures that improve the work of the circulatory system – blood vessels and the heart. These are mainly catecholamines that act very quickly and effectively. The next step is to administer oxygen to increase its concentration in the tissues. What is the most important in the rescue procedure at hypovolemic shock? To prevent proceedings at the same time shock and to look for the direct cause of its creation. With internal injuries, it is important to locate the source of bleeding as quickly as possible and restore proper circulation. Hipowolemia it must be treated by correcting electrolyte disturbances, supplementing physiological fluids and locating the cause of its occurrence.
Hypovolemic shock – loss of consciousness
Hipowolemia often results in unconsciousness. In this case, it is necessary to turn the patient over and place him in a recovery position. Then call the medical services and make sure that the body of the injured person does not cool down. In the event of cardiac arrest, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.