Ask a doctor - What are the symptoms of cyanosis?

Q. What are the symptoms of cyanosis?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Cyanosis is a condition marked by bluish discoloration of the skin, usually caused by decreased oxygen levels in the blood. It can occur in any area of the body, but it's most visible in the lips and around the eyes. It is often a sign of an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

The primary symptom of cyanosis is a blue or purple hue on your skin that may look grayish or slightly yellowish depending on its severity. This color can appear anywhere on your body, but it’s most commonly seen around your lips and eyes. You may also see purple discoloration when you press down lightly on parts of your body such as nails or tongue (called acrocyanosis). In addition to these visual signs, there are other symptoms associated with cyanosis including:

Shortness of breath
Rapid breathing
Feeling sluggish or tired
Chest pain/discomfort
Weakness
Lack of appetite
Painful joints and muscles

If left untreated, cyanosis can lead to complications such as heart failure, kidney failure, stroke damage and tissue death (gangrene). If you notice any irregularity in your skin’s coloration—especially around your face—or experience any other concerning symptoms mentioned above it is important to seek out medical attention immediately from a doctor or emergency room facility near you.