9 Symptoms Of A Deadly Childhood Respiratory Disease

9. Turning blue around the lips and fingertips

The disorder blue baby syndrome, commonly known as infant methemoglobinemia, causes a baby’s skin to turn blue. This happens because the baby’s blood contains less hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a blood protein that transports oxygen throughout the body and distributes it to various cells and tissues. The baby turns blue when the blood cannot deliver oxygen around the body (cyanotic). Blue infant syndrome is uncommon in developed countries, but it does occur in rural regions on occasion. Babies born in poorer nations with limited access to clean water are still at risk. If your child is experiencing any symptoms that indicate difficulty breathing, make sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately!