What Is Cyanosis?

Sometimes one may find purple or blue kind of hue over the skin surface. This is known as cyanosis. The finger nails, the lips and the tongue could be seen with such condition. This kind of skin condition happens with decrease of oxygen flow in the blood stream. It may give indication lung problem. But in most of the cases this condition arises on account of defect in the heart and its circulatory system. The red and the blue blood get mixed and give a purple hue on the skin.

This condition has been observed and not tested in the laboratory. Cyanosis can be described with the typical blue color in the skin. Scientifically, when the quantity of un-oxygenated hemoglobin surpasses 5 gms/100 milliliters of blood, then cyanosis results. This condition is believed to be harmless but it is also a bad sign.

It is a clear indication that, not good flow or quality of blood is flowing into the stream. It can be due to circulatory problems. Here the abnormal mixing of blood takes place. Its detection is subjective and hence cannot be taken as sensitive indicator of arterial oxygenation.

Cyanosis can be further categorized as either central or peripheral. In the former condition the blood in the arteries is deoxygenated and abnormality in hemoglobin is observed. This can be seen by physical appearance of the skin and the mucous membrane. However in the later case the amount of oxygen extraction is abnormally high. And the flow of the peripheral blood is relatively slower.

A medical person on examining the person can correctly diagnose the condition. He may ask even for brief history and tests and examination. Tests like blood tests and arterial blood gas is also measured. An x-ray of chest or echo-cardiogram is also taken.

The treatment will depend on observing these conditions and other causes.