Cyanosis, i.e. inadequate oxygenation in the blood, is a condition whose main symptoms are a change in the color of the skin, nails and mucous membranes, which turn bluish from light pink. Find out what the causes of cyanosis can be and what is the treatment.

Cyanosisis a term for the bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, which is caused by hypoxia in the body. The process of cyanosis is involved in hemoglobin - the red blood pigment (a protein contained in erythrocytes), the primary role of which is to transport oxygen - attaching it in the lungs and releasing it in the body's tissues.

One hemoglobin molecule can attach from one to four oxygen molecules, which means that hemoglobin can exist either in a deoxygenated state ( deoxyHb ) or with varying degrees of oxygenation (oxyHb ). Oxygenated hemoglobin is red while deoxygenated hemoglobin is blue.

This explains why in cyanosis, oxygen deficiency changes the color of the skin, lips and mucous membranes.

Cyanosis - symptoms

Central cyanosiscauses a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, mainly the lips, tongue and mouth.

Peripheral cyanosiscauses a bluish discoloration of the skin present only on parts of the body further away from the median axis - the extremities (only fingers, palms, toes, feet) or earlobes.

Cyanosis - reasons

There are two forms of cyanosis:

  • central cyanosis- this type is most often a consequence of respiratory diseases, for example:
    • pneumonia
    • bronchiolitis
    • asthma attacks
    • pulmonary arterial hypertension

when there is insufficient oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the lungs or the presence of pathological hemoglobin. Central cyanosis occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood is<60 mm Hg, a wysycenie hemoglobiny tlenem <85%.

  • peripheral cyanosis , which is the result of deoxygenation of blood in peripheral tissues, e.g. fingertips, ear lobes, lips. Peripheral cyanosis is caused by many cardiovascular diseases and heart defects, for example :
    • atherosclerosis
    • heart failure
    • circulatory collapse
    • increased contraction of arteries

Blood gas results remain normal. It can also be caused by the body being cooled down, especially the limbs.

Some specialists also distinguishpulmonary cyanosis , which, unlike central cyanosis, disappears when the patient is given pure oxygen.

Bluish skin color may also appear in the case of poisoning with: nitrites, nitrates, phenacetin, sulfonamides.

Smoking is a factor that aggravates cyanosis.

Cyanosis is less commonly caused by Raynaud's disease, which is the contraction of arterioles that supply blood to the fingers or toes under the influence of stimuli such as cold or emotions, resulting in paroxysmal paling.

Cyanosis - diagnosis

In the case of cyanosis, blood tests are performed. Cyanosis is diagnosed when the amount of deoxygenated hemoglobin reaches 5 g per 100 ml of blood (50 g / l) or more (the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin drops below 85%).

Sinica - treatment

Both acute and chronic cyanosis require constant monitoring by a doctor. However, while usually in the case of chronic cyanosis, the causes of the disease are diagnosed and it is known how to act on a daily basis to relieve its symptoms, when dealing with an acute attack of cyanosis, e.g. in the case of respiratory obstruction or suffocation, immediate medical intervention is required.

In the case of central cyanosis, the patient is given oxygen. Oxygen therapy can take place not only in the hospital, but also at home thanks to home oxygen concentrators.

However, the most common cause of peripheral cyanosis is atherosclerosis, therefore it is necessary to treat this disease. The patient is given statins - drugs that reduce the level of cholesterol and lipids, thus inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Read also:

  • Body hypoxia (hypoxia)
  • Hypoxaemia of the blood
  • Brain hypoxia
  • What is a heart rate monitor?
Cyanosis - what to do?

In the case of cyanosis:

  • have access to fresh air
  • limit physical exertion
  • quit smoking, do not stay in smoky rooms
  • use bronchodilators regularly
  • monitor the course of chronic diseases
About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participantthe largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Cardiology