How does asthma lead to cyanosis?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between asthma and cyanosis, highlighting that cyanosis occurs due to hypoxia, particularly during severe asthma attacks. Participants clarify that while asthmatics may experience difficulties with both inhalation and exhalation, significant hypoxia and resultant cyanosis are typically indicators of severe respiratory distress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between oxygen saturation and partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), particularly in the context of using pulse oximeters for monitoring. Overall, the consensus is that cyanosis is a critical sign of severe asthma exacerbations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of asthma pathophysiology
  • Knowledge of hypoxia and its clinical implications
  • Familiarity with pulse oximetry and oxygen saturation measurement
  • Basic grasp of respiratory mechanics, including inhalation and exhalation dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physiological mechanisms of hypoxia in asthma patients
  • Learn about the use of pulse oximeters and interpreting oxygen saturation levels
  • Explore treatment options for acute severe asthma attacks
  • Investigate the relationship between bronchial constriction and respiratory distress
USEFUL FOR

Healthcare professionals, respiratory therapists, medical students, and anyone involved in the management of asthma and respiratory conditions will benefit from this discussion.

sameeralord
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As title suggest. Thanks :smile:
 
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sameeralord said:
As title suggest. Thanks :smile:
Through lack of oxygen in the blood I believe! Skin and mucous membranes begin to look bluish!
 
Thanks for the reply but I think people with ashtma have less problem in inhaltion, but more problem in exhalation. So it is the resultant increase in carbon dioxide shifting the hameoglobin dissociation curve to the right that causes this. I posted this topic to clarify?
 
sameeralord said:
Thanks for the reply but I think people with ashtma have less problem in inhaltion, but more problem in exhalation. So it is the resultant increase in carbon dioxide shifting the hameoglobin dissociation curve to the right that causes this. I posted this topic to clarify?

No asthma has problem with inhalation also (due to narrowing of bronchi). So there is hypoxia which is why there is cyanosis.
 
thorium1010 said:
No asthma has problem with inhalation also (due to narrowing of bronchi). So there is hypoxia which is why there is cyanosis.

But when you breathe in don't bronchi dilate, but practically I can see what you are saying is right.
 
There are more problems associated with exhalation but of course if bronchial muscle tone is high then inhalation rates will also be slowed. But the additional exhalational effects come from the relationship between lung volume and airway diamater.
Incidentally asthmatics are generally not oxygen limited - it is a sign of severe ER requiring asthma if you see a change in blood PO2.
Again - most asthmatics are not hypoxic. This is a severe life threatening situation when an astrhmatic does develop low PO2.
 
The bottom line here is very simple: hypoxic leukocytes = cynanosis. It doesn't really matter if it's from the binding of cyanide, someone holding a bag over your head, or some fashion in which your breathing is restricted. Unless it's peripheral vasoconstriction... see what mtc1973 said. Oxygenated air being displaced by panic-gasps and poor exhalation can lead to a rapid crisis, but it's uncommon. More often you pass out, and your breathing is still labored, but not smothering.
 
mtc1973 said:
Incidentally asthmatics are generally not oxygen limited - it is a sign of severe ER requiring asthma if you see a change in blood PO2.
Again - most asthmatics are not hypoxic. This is a severe life threatening situation when an astrhmatic does develop low PO2.
This is not correct . Asthmatics , during an attack of asthma are hypoxic (depending on severity).

most of the cases are mild to moderate form and are usually reversible by drugs
 
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mtc1973 said:
There are more problems associated with exhalation but of course if bronchial muscle tone is high then inhalation rates will also be slowed. But the additional exhalational effects come from the relationship between lung volume and airway diamater.
Incidentally asthmatics are generally not oxygen limited - it is a sign of severe ER requiring asthma if you see a change in blood PO2.
Again - most asthmatics are not hypoxic. This is a severe life threatening situation when an astrhmatic does develop low PO2.

This is exactly what our teacher drummed into our heads today. If you were in class teacher would have been very impressed :smile:

PS: Why didn't you tell this yesterday?
 
  • #10
thorium1010 said:
This is not correct . Asthmatics , during an attack of asthma are hypoxic (read oxygen saturation).

I think you need to do 2 things.

1.) Consider what is meant by hypoxia in this thread, given that it's in the context of cyanosis.
2.) Tell me if you understand that "PO2" is "oxygen saturation"... pulse oxygen, "pulse ox", that little cute red light thing they put on your finger? Yeah, the "Pulse Oximeter".
 
  • #11
nismaratwork said:
I think you need to do 2 things.

1.) Consider what is meant by hypoxia in this thread, given that it's in the context of cyanosis.
2.) Tell me if you understand that "PO2" is "oxygen saturation"... pulse oxygen, "pulse ox", that little cute red light thing they put on your finger? Yeah, the "Pulse Oximeter".

Po2 is partial pressure of oxygen.

oxygen saturation is the not same and yes its read by a pulse oximeter.


i would like to clarify that cyanosis develops only in severe life threatening cases of asthma or acute severe asthma
 
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  • #12
thorium1010 said:
Po2 is partial pressure of oxygen.

oxygen saturation is the not same and yes its read by a pulse oximeter.


i would like to clarify that cyanosis develops only in severe life threatening cases of asthma or acute severe asthma

re bold: That is EXACTLY what mtc said, and you argued with.

thorium1010 said:
mtc said:
Incidentally asthmatics are generally not oxygen limited - it is a sign of severe ER requiring asthma if you see a change in blood PO2.
Again - most asthmatics are not hypoxic. This is a severe life threatening situation when an astrhmatic does develop low PO2.


This is not correct . Asthmatics , during an attack of asthma are hypoxic (depending on severity).

most of the cases are mild to moderate form and are usually reversible by drugs

Lovely, we all agree then.
 

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