Cyanosis is a bluish color condition on the skin and mucous membranes due to lack of oxygen in the blood. Cyanosis is generally a sign of a serious condition, and requires immediate treatment.
Cyanosis can occur to anyone, including newborns. As in the 'blue baby', namely babies with heart abnormalities, where oxygen levels carried in the blood vessels are not enough (hypoxia), causing cyanosis. Babies born with this condition usually have a low Apgar value.
Recognize the Causes of Cyanosis
When the amount of oxygen in the blood is very low, the color of the blood will change from a bright red to a darker color. This is what makes the skin and lips look turned into bluish. Generally, blue is more easily found on the lips, gums, and around the eyes.
Cyanosis can be divided into central and peripheral cyanosis. Central cyanosis is seen on the tongue and lips due to decreased oxygen saturation in the blood that flows in the main arteries, due to heart and respiratory problems. Central cyanosis generally occurs in the following conditions.
Disorders of the lungs
Disturbances in the airway
Disorders of the heart
Meanwhile, peripheral cyanosis refers to bluish discoloration in the hands or feet. Usually caused by low oxygen levels in red blood cells or the presence of conditions that block the flow of oxygen-rich blood.
Basically, all causes of central cyanosis can cause peripheral cyanosis. However, there are several other causes of peripheral cyanosis, namely:
- Peripheral artery disease, such as thrombosis, atheroma, or embolism.
- Vasoconstriction or narrowed blood vessels, for example due to exposure to extreme cold temperatures, the use of certain drugs such as beta blockers which are often used for hypertension, or due to abnormalities in blood circulation as in Raynaud's disease.
- Blocked venous flow, for example in deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
How is cyanosis diagnosed and treated?
It is important to seek medical attention immediately if the tips of your fingers or toes look blue. The main goal of handling cyanosis is to restore oxygenated blood flow throughout the body as it should.
Because cyanosis is generally an emergency condition, the doctor will make an effort to handle it as soon as possible, at least by providing oxygen flow. Then the doctor will also diagnose what causes you to experience cyanosis by finding out the history of complaints that occur, and doing a physical examination, including by assessing your heart and respiratory function. If there is a blockage or airway obstruction, the doctor will remove the blockage, or take action to open the airway temporarily.
To measure oxygen saturation in your blood, your doctor will use a small device called pulse oximetry. If necessary, a chest X-ray or CT scan will be done, as well as a heart record (ECG) to evaluate your heart and lungs. Blood sampling can also be done for examination in the laboratory.
You are advised to keep your body temperature warm, and avoid caffeine and nicotine, as both can cause your blood vessels to narrow, thereby inhibiting recovery. Living a healthy lifestyle, it is highly recommended to avoid various diseases that can underlie the disruption of blood vessels and blood flow and cause cyanosis.
For parents, you are advised to always watch the movements and activities of young children. Make sure the child does not carelessly put objects or food into the mouth or nose, which can be a cause of airway obstruction. If there is a history of allergies to something, you should avoid these allergens.
Cyanosis is a condition that needs immediate serious attention. Consultation to the doctor to find out the cause of cyanosis that occurs, so that you can get the right treatment.
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