Common Causes Of Hypovolemic Shock

Excessive Vomiting And Sweating

Excessive vomiting and sweating depletes body fluids and causes dehydration. The result is a reduction in blood volume that can lead to hypovolemic shock. If the two occur together, such as an infection that causes vomiting accompanied by a high fever causing sweating, the risk for severe dehydration is high. The risk is less if only one of these conditions is present.

In cases of excessive vomiting, the body loses not only fluids but also electrolytes important in maintaining cardiovascular function. It is often difficult to replace lost fluids and electrolytes quickly enough without medical intervention. Fluid loss from excessive sweating, if caused by working or exercising in a hot environment, can often be reversed. Even moving to a cooler location and drinking fluids with electrolytes is helpful. However, if fluid loss approaches twenty percent or more, hypovolemic shock is a possibility.