Shock can have several different causes. One of the causes of shock is sepsis , a serious infection that involves the blood. This type of shock is known as septic shock. People with shock usually have symptoms from the source of the infection, such as a lung or kidney infection. An infection almost anywhere in the body can spread into the bloodstream and cause septic shock.
Most cases start as infections in the lungs, kidney, or gut.
Sometimes, the original source of the infection cannot be identified. The primary risk of septic shock is death. Lung, heart, kidney, brain, and other organ damage may also occur. This damage is often reversible with treatment, though it can be permanent in severe cases. Some cases cannot be prevented.