Cyanosis

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, caused by an increased content of reduced hemoglobin in the blood.

Cyanosis occurs in various diseases accompanied by impaired exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Causes of cyanosis may be:

1. Congenital heart defects in which mixing of arterial and venous blood occurs.

2. Lung diseases leading to insufficient oxygen saturation of the blood (pneumonia, bronchial asthma, etc.)

3. Carbon monoxide poisoning, in which hemoglobin turns into carboxyhemoglobin, which is unable to carry oxygen.

Cyanosis can be central, when the lips, tongue, and oral mucosa are stained, or peripheral, when cyanosis appears on the hands, feet, and ears.

To diagnose cyanosis, a blood test to measure hemoglobin and pulse oximetry, which measures oxygen saturation in the blood, are performed. Treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause of cyanosis.

Cyanosis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes from grayish blue to blue-black. This symptom occurs when there is low oxygen in the blood. Hemoglobin, not combined with oxygen, has a dark color, which leads to a bluish coloration of the skin and mucous membranes.

Cyanosis can have various causes. Most often it is associated with poor circulation and is more pronounced in parts of the body away from the heart (acrocyanosis). For example, with lung diseases such as pneumonia, pleurisy or pneumosclerosis, respiratory failure occurs, which leads to cyanosis. The development of cyanosis can also be associated with congenital heart defects, when part of the venous blood, bypassing the lungs, enters the arterial system.

Severe cyanosis occurs when there is narrowing, compression, or blockage of blood vessels associated with a specific area of ​​the body or limb. In some cases, cyanosis may be caused by poisoning with certain poisons, such as aniline, nitrobenzene or Berthollet salt.

Various methods are used to diagnose cyanosis, including symptom assessment and blood tests. If cyanosis is detected, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause of its occurrence and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment for cyanosis depends on its cause. For example, in case of lung diseases, it is necessary to eliminate respiratory failure, and in case of congenital heart defects, surgical intervention may be required. In case of poisoning, it is necessary to carry out detoxification therapy.

Thus, cyanosis is a serious symptom that may indicate the presence of certain diseases or conditions. Immediate consultation with a doctor if cyanosis occurs will help determine the cause of its occurrence and prescribe appropriate treatment.