Infant methemoglobinemia, also known as "blue baby syndrome," is linked primarily with infants' intake of nitrogen-contaminated well water. Often, the condition may occur when the infant's formula is reconstituted with contaminated water. Infants suffering from blue baby syndrome have
skin that turns a blue-gray color, a condition called
cyanosis, which is due to a lack of oxygen in the
blood.
An infant exhibiting symptoms of blue baby syndrome needs emergency medical care. The condition can cause
coma and
death if it is not treated immediately.
See Also
- Children's Health Matters: Overview
- Kingfisher County and Major County, Oklahoma: Overview
- Nitrate Exposure: Overview