Content
Cyanosis is a condition characterized by the bluish color of the skin, nails or mouth, and is usually a symptom of diseases that can interfere with oxygenation and blood circulation, such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
As the alteration of blood oxygenation can be considered a serious alteration, it is important that its cause is identified and the appropriate treatment is initiated, as this way it is possible to avoid complications.
Types of cyanosis
Cyanosis can be classified according to the speed, flow of blood circulation and the amount of oxygenated blood that reaches the organs in:
- Peripheral, which happens when the speed of circulation is slowed down, with insufficient oxygenated blood circulation throughout the body;
- Central, in which blood arrives in the arteries without oxygen, being the main cause of lung diseases;
- Mixed, which occurs when not only the oxygenation process that occurs in the lungs is impaired, but the heart cannot promote sufficient transport of oxygenated blood.
It is important that tests are done to identify the type of cyanosis and its cause so that treatment can be started right away.
The diagnosis is made based on physical examination, evaluation of the person's clinical history and laboratory tests that assess the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood and the efficiency of gas exchange, which is verified through the arterial blood gas analysis. Understand what it is and how the blood gas analysis is done.
Main causes
Cyanosis can be caused by any condition that interferes with the process of oxygenation and blood transport and can happen both in adulthood and in newborns. The main causes of cyanosis are:
- Lung diseases, such as COPD, pulmonary embolism or severe pneumonia, for example;
- Heart disease, with CHF or thrombosis;
- Poisoning by drugs, such as Sulfa, for example;
- Tetralogy of Fallot or Blue Baby Syndrome, which is a genetic disease characterized by changes in the heart that decrease its efficiency;
- Changes in hemoglobin, which can be identified through the heel prick test shortly after birth.
In addition, cyanosis is common when there is prolonged exposure to cold, highly polluted environment or at high altitudes, as they decrease the efficiency of blood circulation.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of cyanosis is done according to the cause, the use of oxygen masks, physical exercise to improve blood circulation and the oxygenation process may be indicated, or use warmer clothes, when cyanosis is caused by cold , for example.