Anaphylactic Shock describes the sudden drop in blood pressure and intense swelling of the vocal cords and upper airway associated with severe allergic reactions. Anaphylactic shock may follow an allergic reaction to insect stings, foods or medications. Although anaphylaxis may be life threatening, we usually treat it successfully with epinephrine injections, intravenous medications called corticosteroids and antihistamines.

Cardiogenic shock describes the syndrome of dangerously low blood pressure and fluid accumulation in the lungs associated with malfunction of the heart. We treat this syndrome with medications such as dobutamine, natrecor and primacor to assist the heart in pumping more vigorously. We also use a medication called lasix to help remove fluid from the lungs.

Septic Shock describes a syndrome of low blood pressure and decreased blood flow to vital organs including the kidneys, brain and intestinal tract. This syndrome most often results from overwhelming infection in the blood, but can also occur in patients with severe pancreatitis or emboli to the bowel. The treatment of this life threatening condition requires intravenous fluid, antibiotics and careful monitoring. In some cases we also use a new medication called xigress to slow down the vicious cycle of worsening infection and decreased blood flow to vital organs.