What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment depends on the cause. Infections are often treated with antibiotics. Avoiding exposure to cold temperatures or warming the body may eliminate cyanosis related to cold temperatures. Oxygen may be needed to relieve shortness of breath. Some conditions, such as heart defects present at birth, may be treated with open heart surgery. Diuretics, or water pills, and other heart medications may be needed if heart failure is the cause. Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be needed for lung cancer.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. All medications have possible side effects. For example, antibiotics can cause stomach upset, allergic reaction, and other effects. Surgery poses a risk of infection, bleeding, or reaction to any pain medication used. Chemotherapy can cause many side effects, such as stomach upset, hair loss, and weakness.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

In many cases, no further measures are needed after treatment, and the person may be able to return to normal activities. In other cases, the cause is not curable and needs further treatment. In some cases, death may occur, such as from lung cancer.

How is the condition monitored?

Monitoring also depends on the cause. The level of oxygen in the blood can be measured repeatedly with arterial blood gases until the person improves. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, a feeling of tightness in the throat, confusion, or severe weakness are worrisome. A person should seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms.