What Is Cyanosis?

Aug 7

Do your skin, lips, or nails ever turn blue?

Sometimes, cold temperatures can cause your blood vessels to narrow, leading to the change in color.

If you warm up or massage the blue areas, you should return the necessary blood flow and normal color to the skin. If warming or massaging those areas doesn’t restore normal blood flow and color, you may have a medical condition called cyanosis.

Cyanosis is characterized by a bluish or purplish discoloration of your skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygen levels in the blood. It often indicates respiratory or cardiovascular issues, requiring prompt medical attention to identify and treat the underlying cause.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Cyanosis has numerous respiratory causes, including asthma, pneumonia, severe bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary embolism. It also has a variety of cardiovascular causes, including congenital heart defects, heart failure, or severe valvular disease — all of which hinder proper blood circulation.

In addition to exposure to cold temperatures, cyanosis can also be caused by exposure to high altitudes or toxins such as carbon monoxide.

Blood disorders like methemoglobinemia, which impedes hemoglobin from releasing oxygen effectively, can also cause cyanosis.

Identifying the specific cause of cyanosis is crucial for effective treatment.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of cyanosis can include the aforementioned bluish tint to the lips, tongue, and nail beds, as well as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and fatigue due to insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues. You may also experience chest pain, especially if you have underlying cardiovascular issues.

In severe cases, you can experience confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness due to significant oxygen deprivation. These symptoms can be accompanied by cold extremities, particularly in your fingers and toes.

DIAGNOSIS

If you suspect you have symptoms associated with cyanosis, it’s crucial that you seek a prompt and proper diagnosis by a medical professional.

Diagnosis of cyanosis involves a clinical examination and diagnostic tests.

After observing the bluish discoloration of your skin, lips, or nail beds, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and symptoms. They will then typically use a pulse oximeter to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood and conduct an arterial blood gas analysis to measure the amount of oxygen and other substances in your arteries.

They may also order various blood, lung, and heart tests to determine the cause of the cyanosis.

These tests can include:

Chest X-ray
Chest computed tomography (CT) scan
Complete blood count (CBC)
Electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure your heart’s electrical activity
Echocardiogram to examine your heart’s function and structure
Pulmonary function tests to help diagnose lung conditions
Cardiac catheterization to help diagnose heart conditions

TREATMENT

If you are diagnosed with cyanosis, your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment plan to address the underlying cause of the condition and improve the level of oxygen in your blood.

Your healthcare provider will likely start by administering supplemental oxygen to increase your blood oxygen saturation, then address any respiratory issues with other treatments, which can involve medications to open airways, mechanical ventilation, or addressing infections. If you are dealing with cardiovascular issues, you might need medication, surgery, or other procedures to improve your heart function and blood flow. If you have congenital heart defects, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery.

It’s also crucial that you adopt lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking and managing chronic conditions like asthma or COPD.

Regular monitoring and follow-up care will help ensure the effectiveness of your treatment plan.

If you think you or someone you know might have cyanosis, please call 423-710-3864 to make an appointment. You may also click here to use our quick and easy online scheduling system. We will help you quickly diagnose your issue so we can start you on an effective treatment plan.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Healthline, MedlinePlus