Hypovolemia is the decrease in blood plasma volume, often caused by severe blood loss or dehydration. Hypovolemic shock can occur when someone loses 20% or more of their blood volume, leading to organ failure. Symptoms include cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing and pulse, and confusion. Emergency medical attention is necessary, and even with treatment, death is possible. Chronic medical conditions can exacerbate the effects.
Hypovolaemia is a term that refers to the decrease in the volume of plasma, the liquid part of the blood. Most cases occur due to dehydration or severe blood loss, but there are many other potential causes. When someone loses about 20 percent or more of their blood volume, the person can go into a state called hypovolemic shock, in which organs begin to fail due to reduced blood and oxygen levels.
In all cases of hypovolemia, the primary cause of decreased blood volume is loss of body fluids. This usually occurs due to sudden, severe blood loss. This may be due to uncontrolled bleeding from cuts or other injuries or due to severe internal bleeding that causes large amounts of blood to leak out of the bloodstream.
Although severe blood loss is the most direct cause, loss of other bodily fluids can also cause the hypovolemic state to develop. The loss of large amounts of water-containing substances can be as devastating as the loss of blood. Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea and even excessive sweating can lead to a decrease in blood volume. Sufferers of severe burns are also at risk of hypovolemia and hypovolemic shock.
Hypovolemic shock can cause a long list of symptoms. Someone with this condition might have cold, clammy, pale skin; a rapid breathing rate; and a weak rapid pulse; and he or she may sweat more than normal. You may have little or no urine at all. Additionally, someone in hypovolemic shock might show signs of anxiety, agitation, or confusion, or might lose consciousness.
Symptoms of shock caused by hypovolemia can vary greatly, depending on several factors. The most influential factors are the amount of blood or body fluid that was lost and the rate at which fluid loss occurred. Generally, symptoms are more severe when a large amount of fluid has been lost very quickly.
Someone who is in hypovolemic shock needs emergency medical attention so that lost blood and body fluids can be replaced as soon as possible. In the hospital, the patient is provided with an intravenous line to allow for the rapid replacement of necessary fluids. The patient may be given drugs such as adrenaline and dopamine to raise their blood pressure and to help the heart pump blood around the body.
Even if treatment is given promptly, death from hypovolemic shock is still a possible outcome. This is because in the event of rapid and severe blood loss, organ failure is almost certain to occur. Some chronic medical conditions can exacerbate the effects of hypovolemic shock. These include diabetes and organ diseases such as kidney, lung, liver or heart disease.
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