May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Heart Disease Peripheral cyanosis and emphysema
Peripheral cyanosis and emphysema |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: My father has enphysema and cardiomyopothy, his fingers keep turning blue and black. I know this is due to lack of oxygen, but what I want to know is how long can they stay like that before we need to contact his doctor? Dear Kellie: Peripheral cyanosis is a dusky or bluish tinge to the fingers and toes, and this may be due to high levels of deoxygenated blood, or blood that is not oxygen rich. In emphysema, this can be a normal finding. However if central cyanosis occurs, where the skin of lips and mucous membranes become blue, or your father becomes increasingly short of breath, it would be advisable to seek medical advice. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 18 March 2010 ) |
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