A "blue baby" has a bluish tinge to the lips, tongue or nails because less oxygen is reaching the blood. It is a sign — not a diagnosis — and it needs a paediatric cardiologist's assessment.
Common causes
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): the most common cyanotic heart defect, a combination of four problems that mix low-oxygen blood into the circulation.
- Transposition of the great arteries (TGA): the two main arteries are swapped.
- Other complex defects such as TAPVC or tricuspid atresia.
How it is treated
Diagnosis is confirmed painlessly with an echocardiogram. Many blue-baby conditions are correctable with surgery or catheter procedures, often with excellent long-term results. Timing is planned around the baby's growth and oxygen levels.
Bluish spells, fast breathing or poor feeding in a baby should be checked the same day.
With modern paediatric cardiac care in Kolkata, most children treated for a blue-baby condition go on to active, healthy lives.
Concerned about your child?
Book Appointment
Book a consultation with Dr. Debabrata Nandi.
