What is Cyanosis?
Definition Cyanosis is a physical sign causing bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Cyanosis is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Cyanosis is associated with cold temperatures, heart failure, lung diseases, and smothering. It is seen in infants at birth as a result of heart defects, respiratory distress syndrome, or lung and breathing problems. Description Blood contains a red pigment (hemoglobin) in its red blood cells. Hemoglobin picks up oxygen from the lungs, then circulates it through arteries and releases it to cells through tiny capillaries. After giving up its oxygen, blood circulates back to the lungs through capillaries and veins. Hemoglobin, as well as blood, is bright red when it contains oxygen, but appears dark or “bluish” after it gives up oxygen. The blue discoloration of cyanosis is seen most readily in the beds of the fingernails and toenails, and on the lips and tongue. It often appears transiently as a result of slowed blood flow through the
Cyanosis is a condition which manifests when the blood is poorly oxygenated. In cyanotic people, the lack of oxygen in the blood causes the body to acquire a bluish tinge. There are several different types of cyanosis, and as a general rule, the condition indicates that there is a serious medical problem which requires attention. If someone starts to turn blue, he or she should be taken to a doctor for evaluation and treatment. In the simplest form of cyanosis, the nail beds appear slightly blue. Peripheral cyanosis also includes the extremities, such as the hands and feet. Central cyanosis, a very serious form, causes the lips and tongue to look blue. In someone with this condition, the blood is either circulating sluggishly and poorly, or the blood is not getting oxygenated enough. The decrease in oxygen can eventually cause tissue death. Classically, cyanosis appears when someone is having difficulty breathing. People with respiratory illnesses like asthma and emphysema may be prone
Cyanosis refers to a blue or purple hue to the skin. It is most easily observed on the lips, tongue and fingernails. Cyanosis indicates there may be decreased oxygen in the bloodstream. It may suggest a problem with the lungs, but most often is a result of mixing blue and red blood due to defects of the heart or great vessels. Cyanosis is a finding based on observation, not a laboratory test.
