Cyanosis
Overview
Cyanosis is a skin condition in which the color of the skin turns bluish or purple due to low oxygen level in the bloodstream. The main reason leading to this discoloration of skin, nails, gums, under eyes, fingertips, purple toes, and lips is deoxygenation in hemoglobin.
What is Cyanosis?
Cyanosis refers to low or lack of oxygen level in organs and the affected patient’s body parts are not getting enough oxygen to carry in red blood cells, for optimal functioning.
There are 3 types of Cyanosis:
- Circumoral Cyanosis occurs when blood vessels start shrinking or narrowing.
- Peripheral Cyanosis occurs when body parts start turning blue or purple.
- Central Cyanosis occurs when the chest, gums, cheeks, heart, lungs, and blood vessels are infected, along with other body parts.
Causes
There can be various cyanosis causes that are related to the heart, lungs, or central nervous system that affects the blood oxygen level – but what causes cyanosis? Let’s find out.
- Cardiovascular Disorders
Common heart diseases such as tetralogy of Fallot, birth defects that cause cyanosis in infants, blockage of arteries, heart attack, high blood pressure, or heart failure are some of the common factors that contribute to low oxygen supply to organs and tissues.
- High Chemical Exposure And Altitude
There are multiple toxic chemicals in our surroundings, and exposure to those harsh chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, cyanide, heavy metals, and pesticides affects the body. Moreover, on high altitudes, there is less oxygen supply in the air, which can cause hypoxia and cyanosis.
- Circulatory Disorders
Blood circulation problems such as artery diseases, sudden shocks, venous insufficiency, and narrowed veins or blood vessels also contribute to the development of cyanosis.
- Respiratory Disorders
Problems related to respiration such as asthma, lung collapsation, pulmonary diseases, infection in the respiratory tract, clot of blood in arteries, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder are some of the common cyanosis causes.
Diagnosis
Cyanosis diagnosis involves a combination of aspects such as medical history, physical checkup, body signs, lab tests, scans, pulmonary function test, electrocardiogram test, echocardiogram, and a few other tests.
- Medical History
Primary care physicians ask patients about the cyanosis symptoms and severity, along with genetic and cognitive disorders. Patient’s complete medical history is reviewed before proceeding further.
- Physical Checkup
Primary care physicians conduct a detailed examination of the patient’s body including color, symptoms, mucous membrane, and nail colors closely – along with checking the vital signs such as heart rate, oxygen level, blood pressure, body temperature, before prescribing further tests.
- Lab Tests
There are few tests of the heart, lungs, and respiratory organs that are prescribed to check the severity of the disease. The test includes pulse oximetry test to check oxygen in blood, CBC (Complete blood Count), arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary function tests, cardiac catheter test, blood test, blood pH test, hemoglobin parameters check test and few more tests to determine the root cause of the disease.
- Body Scans
The scans required to confirm the diagnosis include chest X-rays, CT scans, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. ECG plays a vital role in checking the heart activity and helping in the evaluation of the disease.
Treatment
After the cyanosis diagnosis, the primary care physician will prescribe a treatment plan accordingly – Some of the common cyanosis treatment options include:
- Oxygen Therapy:
Supplemental oxygen administration is the hallmark of cyanosis treatment. By increasing the oxygen content in the blood, oxygen therapy helps you get rid of the symptoms and improve oxygenation to tissues.
- Addressing Underlying Conditions:
Identifying and treating the underlying cyanosis causes is immensely important. Whether it’s a respiratory disorder like pneumonia or a cardiac condition like congenital heart defects, targeting the root issue is essential for effective management.
- Medications:
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to optimize cardiac function, reduce pulmonary hypertension, or manage underlying conditions contributing to cyanosis.
- Surgery:
Surgical intervention may be necessary to correct structural abnormalities causing cyanosis, such as repairing congenital heart defects or removing obstructions in the airways.
- Lifestyle Modifications:
Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation and maintaining a healthy weight, can help improve overall cardiovascular health and oxygenation levels.
- Monitoring and Follow-Up:
Regular monitoring of oxygen saturation levels and follow-up appointments with your primary care physician are essential to track progress, adjust treatment plans, and address any emerging issues in a timely manner.
When To See A Doctor
If you are experiencing the above mentioned cyanosis symptoms including shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat, immediately seek medical attention.
Anyone suffering from the symptoms mentioned below, visit your healthcare provider at your earliest:
- Heart pain occurs suddenly
- Shortness of breath that worsens with time
- Constant fatigue, and pain in the body
- Diagnosed with heart or lung disease
- Cognitive abnormalities in infants
Cyanosis is a serious disease and if proper treatment doesn’t start on time, it can lead to fatality. Know that cyanosis in infants can also occur in certain situations, if you are experiencing any cyanosis symptoms in your infant rush to your nearest medical center.
Summary
Cyanosis is a skin condition characterized by a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, nails, gums, and lips, primarily due to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream. This condition occurs when the body’s tissues and organs do not receive adequate oxygen, affecting optimal functioning. Cyanosis can be a critical indicator of underlying health issues, with studies showing that it may occur in approximately 5% to 10% of hospitalized patients with respiratory or cardiovascular problems. There are three types of cyanosis: circumoral, peripheral, and central, each indicating different causes and areas of the body affected.
The causes of cyanosis can be multifaceted, often linked to cardiovascular disorders such as congenital heart defects, which affect 1 in every 100 to 200 live births in the United States. Other common contributors include circulatory issues, respiratory disorders such as asthma, which affects over 25 million Americans, pneumonia, which accounts for approximately 1 million hospitalizations annually, and exposure to harmful chemicals or high altitudes. Symptoms commonly associated with cyanosis include confusion, cold skin, dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue, among others.
Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history review, physical examinations, and a series of lab tests and scans, including pulse oximetry, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms. Pulse oximetry is particularly useful, as normal oxygen saturation levels typically range between 95% to 100%, while levels below 90% are concerning and may indicate hypoxia. These assessments help identify the underlying causes and severity of the condition.
Treatment options focus on addressing the root causes of cyanosis and may include oxygen therapy, which can improve oxygen levels in the blood significantly, medications to manage underlying health issues, surgical interventions for structural abnormalities, and lifestyle modifications for better cardiovascular health. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are crucial, as research shows that patients with chronic cyanosis may require frequent assessments to manage their health effectively.
Immediate medical attention is essential for individuals experiencing severe symptoms such as sudden heart pain, which affects approximately 8 million Americans annually, worsening shortness of breath, or cognitive abnormalities in infants, which can signal serious health concerns. Timely intervention is critical, as untreated cyanosis can lead to serious complications such as organ damage or failure, highlighting the importance of awareness and prompt action in managing this condition.
-Disclaimer-
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about Cyanosis or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions.
