Cyanosed (saɪəˈnoʊzd) is a medical term used to describe a person who appears blue in colour due to a lack of oxygen in their blood. The word is spelled with a ‘c’ and a ‘y’ to represent the ‘sigh’ sound and the ‘i’ sound, respectively, followed by the ‘a’ and ‘n’ for the ‘an’ sound, and ‘o’ and ‘s’ for the ‘ohs’ sound. The -ed ending signifies the past tense of the verb ‘cyanose’, meaning ‘to turn blue’. Proper spelling of medical terms is important for clear communication and accurate documentation.
Cyanosed is an adjective used to describe a condition in which a person or an animal has a bluish or purple discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the bloodstream. This discoloration occurs when there is an excessive amount of reduced hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells.
The term cyanosed is typically used to refer to a visible blue tinge in the skin, lips, nails, or other areas of the body. It is a physical indication of a lack of oxygenation, often associated with underlying medical conditions. Cyanosis can be caused by various reasons, including lung diseases, heart problems, circulatory disorders, or other systemic conditions that affect the oxygen exchange between the lungs and the bloodstream.
It is important to note that cyanosis is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. Prompt medical attention is necessary to investigate and address the root cause of cyanosis, as it can be indicative of a serious medical emergency.
In summary, cyanosed refers to the bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. It serves as a warning sign of a potential underlying medical condition and requires immediate medical evaluation and treatment.
Suffering from cyanosis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word cyanosed is derived from the term cyanosis. Cyanosis originates from the Greek words kyaneos, meaning dark blue, and osis, meaning condition or disease.