Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Pale Skin And Increased Appetite In A Premature Infant?
I have a newborn baby who was born prematurely at 31 weeks. Yesterday I noticed a change in his skin color. It was pale with a blue grayish tint. He has also been very fussy and irritable. Now I see a change in his eating, and at first it seemed he was excessively hungry. Now he doesn t really want to even finish eating, and seems really tired. I thought at first he just had gas and was uncomfortable. Now I m wondering if something else is wrong and Im worried. He also his making grunting and moaning sounds. Along with more breathing difficulty when eating and notices.
Fri, 12 Jun 2020
Hi,
Brief answer: Blue, grayish skin has many causes. In my opinion, you child should be evaluated to determine if there is a problem with the heart, lungs, or blood.
Detailed answer: Blue, grayish skin describes cyanosis, which is caused by poorly oxygenated blood blood. Poor oxygenation of blood has many causes. The heart normally pumps blood to the lungs, where it gets oxygenated before being returned to the heart to be circulated to the rest of the body. If the heart has a defect, blood may not get pumped to the lungs to be oxygenated or blood many not get circulated to the rest of the body. If the lungs are not working properly, blood will not get oxygenated. Also certain substances can interfere with blood delivering oxygen to the tissues. For instance, nitrate contaminated water (usually well water) can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, where oxygen delivery to tissues is impaired.
Poor oxygenation could explain the difficulty with breathing, decreased food intake, and tiredness that you have noticed with your son. Your son should be evaluated by his pediatrician to determine if their is a problem with his heart, lungs, or blood. This evaluation will include a physical examination, blood tests, and chest x-ray and/or other imaging of the heart and lungs.
Hope this helps answer you query. Let me know if I can further assist you.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Shapiro
Brief answer: Blue, grayish skin has many causes. In my opinion, you child should be evaluated to determine if there is a problem with the heart, lungs, or blood.
Detailed answer: Blue, grayish skin describes cyanosis, which is caused by poorly oxygenated blood blood. Poor oxygenation of blood has many causes. The heart normally pumps blood to the lungs, where it gets oxygenated before being returned to the heart to be circulated to the rest of the body. If the heart has a defect, blood may not get pumped to the lungs to be oxygenated or blood many not get circulated to the rest of the body. If the lungs are not working properly, blood will not get oxygenated. Also certain substances can interfere with blood delivering oxygen to the tissues. For instance, nitrate contaminated water (usually well water) can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, where oxygen delivery to tissues is impaired.
Poor oxygenation could explain the difficulty with breathing, decreased food intake, and tiredness that you have noticed with your son. Your son should be evaluated by his pediatrician to determine if their is a problem with his heart, lungs, or blood. This evaluation will include a physical examination, blood tests, and chest x-ray and/or other imaging of the heart and lungs.
Hope this helps answer you query. Let me know if I can further assist you.
Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Aaron Shapiro
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....