What Is Blue Baby Syndrome?
5. Diagnosis
It is very important for a doctor to discover what is causing a case of blue baby syndrome so that he or she can devise an effective treatment plan. Since congenital heart defects are responsible for most cases, the doctor will probably start by evaluating the heart for any anomalies. This may involve imaging studies such as an echocardiogram, chest X-ray, or cardiac catheterization. Blood tests may be required to check levels of hemoglobin and oxygen, and an electrocardiogram can measure the heart’s electrical activity.
Except for the EKG, the same tests are recommended to evaluate for methemoglobinemia. However, since the blood disorder often results from drinking well water, a doctor may recommend that the tap water be tested to see what the nitrate levels are. An unsafe level of nitrates is over 10 milligrams per liter.
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