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Cyanosis (blue spells)CCyanosis (blue spells)Cyanosis (blue spells)EnglishCardiologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)HeartHeartConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2014-02-11T05:00:00Z7.1000000000000068.2000000000000880.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Blue spells occur when a child's lungs are not receiving enough blood to carry oxygen to the rest of the body. Find out what to do in case of a blue spell.</p><h2>What is cyanosis (blue spell)?</h2><p>Cyanosis, or blue spells, is when a reduced amount of blood flows into the lungs. Since blood carries oxygen, less oxygen is delivered to the body. As a result, a child may appear blue or bluish.</p><p>The colour is caused by high levels of reduced (deoxygenated) hemoglobin in the blood near the surface of the skin. Hemoglobin is the molecule that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen. Oxygenated hemoglobin is bright red, while deoxygenated hemoglobin is bluish. </p><p>There are two main categories of cyanosis: central and peripheral. Central cyanosis causes a bluish colour in the lips, tongue, and skin, especially the fingers and toes. Peripheral cyanosis is seen only in the fingers and toes.</p><p>Cyanosis caused by congenital heart conditions is often seen soon after birth, but sometimes it does not appear until a baby is older.</p><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Cyanosis means there may not be enough oxygen being carried to tissues in the body.</li><li>During cyanosis, your child may suddenly feel uncomfortable; be cranky or less alert; breathe faster and deeper; turn blue, especially around the mouth and face; faint or feel faint. </li><li>If your child is a baby, place them on their back and bring their knees up to touch their chest. Comfort and soothe them. </li><li>If your child is older, place them on their side and bring their knees up to their chest. </li><li>If cyanosis lasts longer than one minute and/or your child is less alert, or if your child faints, call 911. </li></ul><h2>Signs and symptoms of cyanosis</h2><p>If your child is showing the following signs and symptoms they may be experiencing cyanosis.</p><ul><li>Suddenly feel uncomfortable, cranky or less alert</li><li>Begin to breathe faster and deeper</li><li>Turn blue, especially around the mouth and face</li><li>Faint or feel faint</li></ul><h2>What causes cyanosis?<br></h2><p>Cyanosis may mean that the lungs are not oxygenating the blood properly, or that not enough oxygenated blood is getting to the body. </p><p>The most common cause of cyanosis is a sudden narrowing of the path between the heart and the lungs. This narrowing lowers the amount of blood going to the lungs. The children most often affected by cyanosis are those with <a href="/Article?contentid=1621&language=English">tetralogy of Fallot</a> (a form of congenital heart disease). However, cyanosis may also occur in children with other forms of heart disease in which blood flow to the lungs is reduced. </p><p>Some children may appear blue after getting cold or having a bath; this is not cyanosis.</p><p>Cyanosis is most common:<br></p><ul><li>when a baby cries strongly </li><li>soon after waking </li><li>soon after a feeding </li><li>soon after a bowel movement </li><li>if a baby is dehydrated and needs liquids</li></ul><h3>Causes of central cyanosis</h3><p>Central cyanosis has many possible causes, including:</p><ul><li>breathing and lung problems</li><li>heart defects that allow oxygen-poor blood from the right side of the heart to mix with oxygen-rich blood in the left side of the heart, so the blood that is pumped out to the body is low in oxygen; these defects are known as right-to-left shunts</li><li>problems with blood flow to and/or from the lungs: this may be due to abnormal connections of the blood vessels between the heart and lungs, or obstruction of the blood vessels</li><li>fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary edema) caused by congestive heart failure</li><li>disorders of hemoglobin, which mean the blood cannot carry oxygen properly</li></ul><h3>Causes of peripheral cyanosis</h3><p>Peripheral cyanosis can also be caused by:</p><ul><li>cold temperature</li><li>crying in a newborn</li><li>seizures</li><li>shock, among other things</li></ul> <p>Congenital heart defects that cause cyanosis include transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary atresia, tetralogy of Fallot, tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, truncus arteriosus, and interrupted aortic arch.<br></p><h2>When you should call the doctor</h2><ul><li>If this is your child's first blue spell, tell your child's doctor.</li><li>If the frequency of your child's blue spells increases, tell your child's cardiologist. </li><li>If the blue spell lasts longer than one minute, take your child to the nearest emergency department. </li></ul><p> <strong>If the blue spell lasts longer than one minute and there is also a change in your child's level of alertness or if your child faints, call 911.</strong></p>
Cyanose (coloration bleue)CCyanose (coloration bleue)Blue spells (cyanosis)FrenchCardiologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)HeartHeartConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2014-02-11T05:00:00Z5.0000000000000083.0000000000000443.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Un épisode de cyanose se produit lorsque les poumons d'un enfant ne reçoivent pas suffisamment de sang pour transporter l'oxygène vers le corps.</p><h2>Qu'est-ce qu'une cyanose?</h2><p>Les épisodes de cyanose désignent de courtes périodes où une quantité réduite de sang parvient aux poumons. Puisque le sang transporte l'oxygène, moins d'oxygène est alors envoyé dans le corps. C'est pourquoi l'enfant peut prendre une coloration bleuâtre. </p><p>Les niveaux élevés d’hémoglobine réduite (désoxygénée) sous la surface de la peau sont responsables de la teinte. La molécule d’hémoglobine dans les globules rouges oxygénés transporte l’oxygène, ce qui donne au sang une teinte rouge vif; en l’absence d’oxygène, le sang prend une teinte bleutée.</p><p>Il existe deux principales catégories de cyanose : centrale et périphérique. La cyanose centrale se caractérise par le bleuissement des lèvres, de la langue et de la peau, surtout des doigts et des orteils. En revanche, dans la cyanose périphérique, le bleuissement se limite aux doigts et aux orteils.</p><p>La cyanose du type de celle causée par une malformation cardiaque congénitale se manifeste fréquemment peu de temps après la naissance, mais elle peut parfois n’apparaître que plus tard dans l’enfance.</p><h2>À retenir</h2> <ul> <li>Pendant un épisode de cyanose, votre enfant peut ressentir de l'inconfort, être grognon ou moins éveillé, respirer plus rapidement et plus profondément, devenir bleu, surtout le visage et autour de la bouche, s'évanouir ou se sentir faible.</li> <li>Si votre enfant connaît un épisode de cyanose, restez calme.</li> <li>S'il s'agit d'un bébé, placez-le sur le dos et repliez ses genoux sur sa poitrine. Réconfortez-le et calmez-le.</li> <li>S'il s'agit d'un enfant plus âgé, placez-le sur le côté et repliez ses genoux sur sa poitrine.</li> <li>Si l'épisode de cyanose dure et que votre enfant devient moins alerte, ou s'il s'évanouit, composez le 911.</li> </ul><h2>Pendant une cyanose, votre enfant peut :</h2> <ul> <li>se sentir soudainement mal, être grognon ou moins alerte,</li> <li>commencer à respirer plus rapidement et plus profondément,</li> <li>prendre une coloration bleutée, surtout sur le visage et autour de la bouche,</li> <li>s'évanouir ou se sentir faible.</li> </ul><h2>Qu’est-ce qui cause la cyanose?</h2><p>La maladie peut être causée par l’oxygénation insuffisante du sang lors de son passage dans les poumons ou la réduction du volume de sang oxygéné vers le reste du corps.</p><h3>Causes de la cyanose centrale</h3><p>Les nombreuses causes possibles comprennent : </p><ul><li>des problèmes pulmonaires et respiratoires;</li><li>des problèmes cardiaques qui font en sorte que le sang peu oxygéné du côté droit du cœur se mélange au sang bien oxygéné du côté gauche, si bien que le sang dirigé vers le corps contient peu d’oxygène. Cette condition est appelée « shunt cardiaque droit-gauche »;</li><li>des problèmes de circulation du sang en provenance des poumons ou se dirigeant vers les poumons; des branchements anormaux des vaisseaux sanguins entre le cœur et les poumons ou l’obstruction de vaisseaux sanguins peuvent en être responsables;</li><li>l’accumulation de fluide dans les poumons (œdème pulmonaire) causée par une insuffisance cardiaque congestive;</li><li>des troubles de l’hémoglobine, ce qui nuit au transport de l’oxygène par le sang.</li></ul><h3>Causes de la cyanose périphérique</h3><p>Les causes possibles sont, entre autres :</p><ul><li>la température ambiante peu élevée;</li><li>les pleurs chez le nouveau-né;</li><li>des convulsions;</li><li>un état de choc.</li></ul><p>Les malformations cardiaques congénitales peuvent être à l’origine d’une cyanose, notamment la transposition des artères, l’atrésie pulmonaire, la tétralogie de Fallot, l’atrésie tricuspide, l’hypoplasie du cœur gauche, le « truncus arteriosus » et l’interruption de l’arc aortique.</p><h2>Quand appeler le docteur</h2> <ul> <li>S'il s'agit du premier épisode de cyanose de votre enfant, indiquez-le au cardiologue qui s'occupe de votre enfant.</li> <li>Si votre enfant a des épisodes de cyanose plus fréquemment qu'à l'habitude, dites-le au cardiologue qui suit votre enfant.</li> <li>Si l'épisode de cyanose dure plus qu'une minute, amenez votre enfant au service d'urgence le plus proche.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Si l'épisode de cyanose dure plus d'une minute ou si votre enfant s'évanouit, appelez les secours en composant le 911.</strong></p>

 

 

 

 

Cyanosis (blue spells)896.000000000000Cyanosis (blue spells)Cyanosis (blue spells)CEnglishCardiologyChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)HeartHeartConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2014-02-11T05:00:00Z7.1000000000000068.2000000000000880.000000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Blue spells occur when a child's lungs are not receiving enough blood to carry oxygen to the rest of the body. Find out what to do in case of a blue spell.</p><h2>What is cyanosis (blue spell)?</h2><p>Cyanosis, or blue spells, is when a reduced amount of blood flows into the lungs. Since blood carries oxygen, less oxygen is delivered to the body. As a result, a child may appear blue or bluish.</p><p>The colour is caused by high levels of reduced (deoxygenated) hemoglobin in the blood near the surface of the skin. Hemoglobin is the molecule that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen. Oxygenated hemoglobin is bright red, while deoxygenated hemoglobin is bluish. </p><p>There are two main categories of cyanosis: central and peripheral. Central cyanosis causes a bluish colour in the lips, tongue, and skin, especially the fingers and toes. Peripheral cyanosis is seen only in the fingers and toes.</p><p>Cyanosis caused by congenital heart conditions is often seen soon after birth, but sometimes it does not appear until a baby is older.</p><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Cyanosis means there may not be enough oxygen being carried to tissues in the body.</li><li>During cyanosis, your child may suddenly feel uncomfortable; be cranky or less alert; breathe faster and deeper; turn blue, especially around the mouth and face; faint or feel faint. </li><li>If your child is a baby, place them on their back and bring their knees up to touch their chest. Comfort and soothe them. </li><li>If your child is older, place them on their side and bring their knees up to their chest. </li><li>If cyanosis lasts longer than one minute and/or your child is less alert, or if your child faints, call 911. </li></ul><h2>Signs and symptoms of cyanosis</h2><p>If your child is showing the following signs and symptoms they may be experiencing cyanosis.</p><ul><li>Suddenly feel uncomfortable, cranky or less alert</li><li>Begin to breathe faster and deeper</li><li>Turn blue, especially around the mouth and face</li><li>Faint or feel faint</li></ul><h2>What causes cyanosis?<br></h2><p>Cyanosis may mean that the lungs are not oxygenating the blood properly, or that not enough oxygenated blood is getting to the body. </p><p>The most common cause of cyanosis is a sudden narrowing of the path between the heart and the lungs. This narrowing lowers the amount of blood going to the lungs. The children most often affected by cyanosis are those with <a href="/Article?contentid=1621&language=English">tetralogy of Fallot</a> (a form of congenital heart disease). However, cyanosis may also occur in children with other forms of heart disease in which blood flow to the lungs is reduced. </p><p>Some children may appear blue after getting cold or having a bath; this is not cyanosis.</p><p>Cyanosis is most common:<br></p><ul><li>when a baby cries strongly </li><li>soon after waking </li><li>soon after a feeding </li><li>soon after a bowel movement </li><li>if a baby is dehydrated and needs liquids</li></ul><h3>Causes of central cyanosis</h3><p>Central cyanosis has many possible causes, including:</p><ul><li>breathing and lung problems</li><li>heart defects that allow oxygen-poor blood from the right side of the heart to mix with oxygen-rich blood in the left side of the heart, so the blood that is pumped out to the body is low in oxygen; these defects are known as right-to-left shunts</li><li>problems with blood flow to and/or from the lungs: this may be due to abnormal connections of the blood vessels between the heart and lungs, or obstruction of the blood vessels</li><li>fluid build-up in the lungs (pulmonary edema) caused by congestive heart failure</li><li>disorders of hemoglobin, which mean the blood cannot carry oxygen properly</li></ul><h3>Causes of peripheral cyanosis</h3><p>Peripheral cyanosis can also be caused by:</p><ul><li>cold temperature</li><li>crying in a newborn</li><li>seizures</li><li>shock, among other things</li></ul> <p>Congenital heart defects that cause cyanosis include transposition of the great arteries, pulmonary atresia, tetralogy of Fallot, tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, truncus arteriosus, and interrupted aortic arch.<br></p><h2>Helping your child during a cyanotic or blue spell</h2><p>If your child has a cyanotic or blue spell, do not panic. To help your child, follow these steps:</p><h3>For babies</h3> <figure> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Baby_kneesup_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Baby on their back with knees to chest" /> </figure> <ul><li>Place your baby on their back.</li><li>Bring the baby's knees up to touch the chest and hold them firmly in place. You can also do this while holding your baby.</li><li>Comfort and settle your baby by holding and rocking, giving a soother and gentle cuddling.</li><li>Remain calm. Your baby can sense when you are upset, which will make it harder to settle the baby.</li></ul><h3>For older children</h3> <figure> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Child_lying_side_knees_up_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Child on their side with knees raised to the chest and hands held under cheek" /> </figure> <ul><li>Place your child on their side, bringing the knees up to the chest and hold them firmly in place.</li><li>Some children will automatically squat during a blue spell. This is their way of bringing their knees to the chest on their own.</li><li>Make sure you can see your child's face so you can watch for colour changes and check the degree of alertness and length of the spell.</li></ul><h2>When you should call the doctor</h2><ul><li>If this is your child's first blue spell, tell your child's doctor.</li><li>If the frequency of your child's blue spells increases, tell your child's cardiologist. </li><li>If the blue spell lasts longer than one minute, take your child to the nearest emergency department. </li></ul><p> <strong>If the blue spell lasts longer than one minute and there is also a change in your child's level of alertness or if your child faints, call 911.</strong></p>https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Baby_kneesup_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpgCyanosis (blue spells)False

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