What is cyanosis

General
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Cyanosis is a bluish or purplish discoloration of the skin, lips, tongue, or nail beds caused by low oxygen levels in the blood. It occurs when there is an increased amount of deoxygenated hemoglobin (usually more than 5 g/dL) in the small blood vessels near the skin surface.

:small_blue_diamond: Types of Cyanosis:

  1. Central Cyanosis : Affects the lips, tongue, and mucous membranes. Caused by systemic oxygen deficiency.
    Seen in: Respiratory diseases (e.g. COPD, pneumonia) Congenital heart defects, High altitude.

  2. Peripheral Cyanosis: Affects fingers, toes, and extremities.
    Caused by slow blood flow or local vasoconstriction.
    Seen in: Heart failure, Shock, Cold exposure.
    :small_blue_diamond:Causes of Cyanosis: Respiratory disorders (e.g. asthma, pulmonary embolism), Cardiac conditions (e.g. congenital heart disease), Hemoglobin abnormalities (e.g. methemoglobinemia), Circulatory problems (e.g. deep vein thrombosis)

:small_blue_diamond: Management:

  1. Identify and treat the underlying cause.

  2. Provide oxygen therapy if hypoxia is present.

  3. In emergency cases, advanced respiratory or cardiac support may be needed.

MBH/PS

2 Likes
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informative. thanks for sharing.

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Cyanosis means your skin or lips get a bluish tint usually a sign that your blood isn’t carrying enough oxygen. It can feel scary, but while it often points to lung or heart issues, sometimes cold exposure or even certain medications can be the cause too. Quick response like seeking medical attention or warming up can make a big difference in outcomes.

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Informative! Some drugs can also cause cyanosis, like benzocaine, lidocaine, dapsone, sulfonamides, nitrites/nitrates, and antimalarials like primaquine, mainly by inducing methemoglobinemia.

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Informative