Why does my upper and lower lip turn blue?

The appearance of the lips is an indicator of health. Let's consider why lips turn blue, the main reasons, accompanying symptoms, diagnostic and treatment methods.

Cyanosis, that is, blueness of the skin and mucous membranes, is not an independent disease, but a sign of certain disorders in the body. According to their structure, the lips are divided into three zones:

• Internal, covered with a mucous membrane.
• External with skin.
• Intermediate (red border).

Normal scarlet (pink) color is due to a large number of blood vessels. If the skin darkens or becomes bluish, this indicates serious problems with the body.

The main reasons for unpleasant changes:

1. Oxygen starvation and hypoxemia – occur due to low oxygen levels in the body. The skin turns purple-blue. Most often, this condition is associated with the following factors:
   • Complete or partial absence of oxygen in the air. For example, smoking leads to a decrease in the circulation of oxygen in the alveoli of the lungs.
   • Prolonged lying down causes air to stagnate in the lungs.
   • Surgical interventions using anesthesia.
   • Obstruction of the airways by foreign bodies and particles.
   • Violation of the integrity of the lungs.
2. Prolonged stay in a room/space with low oxygen content.
3. Various hormonal changes in the body, including pregnancy.
4. Hypothermia and rapid ascent to altitude.
5. Increased physical activity.
6. Food intoxication or drug overdose.
7. Diseases of the cardiovascular system (chronic pathologies, congenital anomalies).
8. Iron deficiency anemia.
9. Pathologies of the circulatory system.
10. A state of shock caused by anaphylactic or septic shock, blood loss, or spinal cord/brain injury.
11. Reynaud's disease - due to stress and overexertion, small blood vessels burst, changing the color of the lips and other areas of the skin.
12. Respiratory disorders.

Cyanosis can occur suddenly or develop gradually. It depends on the cause that provoked the disorder. Most often, the pathology is associated with spasms of blood vessels. If, against the background of blue lips, there is a rapid heartbeat, a change in the color of the nails or suffocation, then this condition is very dangerous. The exact cause of the defect can be established only after a comprehensive examination. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor prescribes the most appropriate treatment.

Why do adults' lips turn blue?

There are many factors that provoke cyanosis of different areas of the skin and mucous membranes. Let's consider the most common reasons why an adult's lips turn blue:

• Deficiency of oxygen in the blood and injury to small capillaries. Changes are observed in the tissues of the lips, ears, tip of the nose and fingers. The skin is bluish and cold to the touch.
• Cardiovascular diseases provoke a slowdown in blood flow to the body's tissues. Oxygen starvation causes an increase in hemoglobin levels due to carbon dioxide. Against this background, tissues and mucous membranes turn blue, shortness of breath, arrhythmia, swelling of the lower extremities, and dull pain in the sternum appear.
• Diseases of the respiratory system with impaired gas exchange. The vessels have an increased concentration of carbon dioxide, which gives the dermis a characteristic shade. Impaired functioning of the bronchi, lungs, as well as congenital anomalies of the cardiac septa provoke central cyanosis.
• Intoxication of the body with chemicals, medications, and food products.

Increased physical activity, emotional stress, prolonged hypothermia or exacerbation of chronic diseases can also cause pathological changes. If cyanosis is peripheral, the blue lips are cold, with a diffuse form, the tissues remain warm. Changes that occur over a short period of time are the most dangerous, as they can indicate vascular occlusion by blood clots, asphyxia, suffocation.

Why do my child's lips turn blue?

The condition in which children develop blueness in certain areas of the body is familiar to many parents. There are many reasons why a child's lips turn blue, let's consider the most common ones:

• Congenital heart defect.
• Neonatal pneumonia.
• Asthmatic condition.
• Severe hypothermia of the body.
• Septic shock.
• Oxygen starvation.
• Allergic reactions to food, medications.
• Intracranial hemorrhages.
• Meningoencephalitis.
• Cerebral edema.
• Calcium deficiency and excess phosphates in the body.

The appearance of cyanosis can be caused by respiratory diseases. Croup is often diagnosed in children under 3 years of age. This pathology is characterized by inflammation of the vocal cords, severe stenosis of the larynx, dry cough, wheezing, and elevated body temperature.

The painful condition occurs due to spasms of the larynx - affective-respiratory syndrome. The pathology is characterized by a sharp cessation of breathing during inhalation and the inability to exhale. It occurs due to increased excitability of the nervous system. The child turns pale and then blue. ARS is a kind of reflex that occurs with loud crying. The attack lasts about a minute and is typical for children under three years old. In 90% of cases, affective-respiratory syndrome passes by the age of eight.

If the bluish color of the lips occurs too often and is accompanied by additional symptoms (pain behind the breastbone, high blood pressure, convulsions, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, deterioration of general health), then you should immediately seek medical help. The pediatrician will examine the child, conduct a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe treatment to restore blood circulation and normalize the natural color of the skin.

Why does it turn blue above the lip?

Cardiovascular problems are the main reason why the skin above the lip turns blue. Due to attempts to replenish the vessels with blood, the tissues acquire a cyanotic hue. The symptom is associated with a deficiency of hemoglobin in the vessels that have given oxygen to the tissues and have not recovered. This condition is observed with a lack of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and protein in the body.

Oxygen starvation and respiratory diseases also provoke changes in the skin and mucous membranes. Poisoning and intoxication of the body lead to circulatory disorders. This is observed with hypothermia, poor gas exchange in the lungs and pathologies that cause bronchial conductivity disorders.

If the painful condition persists for a long period of time, periodically makes itself known or occurs with additional symptoms, then you should immediately seek medical help. The sooner the cause of the disorder is established, the higher the chances of avoiding all sorts of complications.

Why does the upper lip turn blue?

Everyone has encountered such a problem as cyanotic skin tone at least once. Why does the upper lip turn blue, what factors cause changes and how to eliminate them? Let's consider the main causes of this unpleasant symptom:

• Disorders of the pulmonary system - this may be pulmonary embolism, prolonged exposure to water or high altitude, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe pneumonia.
• Respiratory tract pathologies – suffocation, infections that narrow the lumen of the bronchi or trachea, bronchiectasis, croup, inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis.
• Cardiovascular diseases – heart failure, congenital defects, temporary cardiac arrest.

In addition to the above factors, the disorder is observed with an overdose of drugs, with diseases of the circulatory system, exposure to cold air or water.

Why does the lower lip turn blue?

Prolonged exposure to cold is the most common reason why the lower lip turns blue. Due to the cooling of the body, the body's resources are redistributed to warm the internal organs as much as possible. That is, the disruption and reduction of blood circulation through the vessels leads to a change in skin color and loss of sensitivity. As soon as the color of the tissues returns to normal, it can be considered that the body's functioning has been restored.

• The changes may be related to a lack of oxygen. Smokers often face this. Hypoxia, or oxygen starvation, occurs due to the toxic gases emitted by a cigarette when it smolders.
• Another possible factor of the disorder is cardiovascular diseases. In this case, the skin and mucous membranes acquire a dark blue, purple hue.
• A change in skin tone with increased heart rate and difficulty breathing is a disorder of the lungs or heart. Blueness in the corners of the mouth may indicate a heart attack or a blood clot in the vessels of the lung tissue, an asthmatic condition, or pneumonia.
• Low hemoglobin levels due to iron deficiency anemia. Deficiency of iron-containing protein occurs due to poor nutrition and heavy blood loss.

Cyanosis occurs with Reynaud's disease. This pathology is associated with severe stress and emotional experiences, accompanied by low temperature, paresthesia, and blood metabolism disorders.

Why is there blue color around the lips?

A cyanotic tint of the skin and mucous membranes indicates serious problems in the body. To determine why the area around the lips turns blue, especially if this occurs too often, you should seek medical help and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.

In most cases, the painful condition is associated with oxygen starvation. The skin and mucous membranes acquire a purple color due to an increase in the blood of restored hemoglobin or a decrease in the oxygen level. A similar condition is also characteristic of cardiovascular diseases.

The appearance of a blue border around the lips is characteristic of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, which is responsible for the red color of blood. If the symptom occurs against the background of respiratory diseases, this indicates the formation of croup. The painful condition is also characteristic of a heart attack, especially if there are signs of rapid heartbeat, fainting and a sharp deterioration in general health.

Why, when a child cries, do his lips turn blue?

Many parents ask themselves: why do the lips turn blue when a child cries? First of all, it should be noted that in a normal state, the color of the tissues should be pink, indicating good blood circulation.

The main cause of the disorder is the affective-respiratory syndrome. It occurs due to crying, pain and a number of other factors associated with strong emotions and experiences. Against the background of cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes, apnea occurs, that is, a condition when the child cannot exhale and does not breathe. In this case, the baby's muscles are in spasm. The attack lasts from a few seconds to 5-7 minutes, but on average about 30-60 seconds. If the apnea period is prolonged, then loss of consciousness is possible - an atonic non-epileptic attack due to acute oxygen deficiency of the brain.

Distinctive features of ARS:

• Severe cyanosis or pallor of the skin.
• Increased sweating.
• Weak muscle excitation.
• Slow recovery after an attack.

Very often, the crying spell is interrupted after breathing stops and the body goes limp for 5-10 seconds. The spasm of the larynx is reflexively relieved, the child takes a sharp breath in or out. Gradually, the condition is restored. If the hypoxia process is not interrupted, then convulsions occur as a response of the body to the accumulation of carbon dioxide. Thanks to the reflex relief of muscle spasms, the child begins to breathe, blood circulation and skin color are restored. According to medical statistics, such attacks occur with equal frequency in both boys and girls aged 6 to 18 months, in rare cases up to 5 years.

In any case, cyanosis of the skin is a signal that the body is not getting enough oxygen. This condition is associated with the presence of pathological hemoglobin derivatives in the venous blood that are unable to transport oxygen. It can be a symptom of cardiovascular or respiratory diseases. In some cases, peripheral cyanosis is associated with the maturation of the child's circulatory system. As the child grows older, it goes away on its own.

If the lips turn blue too often or are accompanied by additional symptoms, you should consult a doctor. The specialist will determine the characteristics of the disorder (physiological, pathological) and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

Why do newborns' lips turn blue?

Cyanotic skin tone in infants is very often observed in the first months of life, causing panic in parents. Blueness of the nasolabial triangle can be associated with both physiological and pathological factors. Let's take a closer look at why a newborn's lips turn blue:

• Decreased oxygen concentration in the blood. The normal value is within 92.5-95%, but due to intense crying and overexertion it drops below 92%. This is observed when the body is overcooled, light and thin skin with blood vessels close to its surface.
• Infectious diseases with difficulty breathing. In addition to cyanosis, shortness of breath and increased pallor of the extremities appear. Without timely treatment, pathological symptoms become more pronounced.
• Presence of a foreign object in the respiratory tract. If the baby's lips have never changed color before, and now cyanosis occurs with difficulty breathing, then the respiratory tract should be examined. If necessary, call an ambulance.

In addition to the above reasons, cyanosis of the lips that persists for a long period of time may also indicate the following disorders: congenital heart defect, pulmonary artery malformation, heart failure. The most common cardiovascular defect is non-closure of the oval window. With this pathology, arterial and venous blood mix, reducing oxygen saturation and causing cyanosis.

The painful condition in newborns occurs due to the insufficient development of the respiratory system. To eliminate this problem, a special massage and long walks in the open air are recommended. If the cyanosis does not go away by 3-4 months of the child's life, then the baby should be shown to a pediatrician, neurologist and cardiologist.

Why do lips turn blue during physical activity?

Oxygen starvation is the main reason why lips turn blue during physical activity. Overload hypoxia develops due to a lack of oxygen, which is burned when replenishing energy resources during increased activity.

Peripheral blood circulation, i.e. in the lips and extremities, decreases, causing cyanosis. Such hypoxia is physiological, i.e. it is not dangerous, since the condition is restored after the end of high loads.

If additional symptoms occur:

• Increased drowsiness.
• Lethargy.
• Headaches and dizziness.
• Tinnitus.
• Slowness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Cramps.
• Impaired consciousness.

This may be a sign of cardiovascular disease. This condition requires careful comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.

Why do lips sometimes turn blue?

Many of us, at least once, wondered why lips sometimes turn blue. In most cases, this is due to hypothermia, increased physical activity, consumption of coloring products or substances that cause intoxication. After the irritant has ceased to act, the condition normalizes, the color of the skin and mucous membranes is restored.

Let's take a closer look at the possible causes of cyanosis:

• Hypothermia – changes in skin color are associated with a disruption in the constant circulation of blood through the vessels. Due to cooling, a redistribution of resources occurs, that is, all the body's forces are thrown into warming the internal organs. Blood vessels in the lips and extremities narrow, reducing blood flow. Because of this, the tissues acquire a bluish tint and lose sensitivity.
• Iron deficiency anemia - the pink color of the skin is caused by hemoglobin, the formation of which depends on the amount of iron coming from food. In this case, cyanosis is associated with poor nutrition, heavy blood loss, injuries, complications of peptic ulcer disease.
• Oxygen starvation – occurs due to toxic substances affecting the body. This condition is very often observed in smokers.
• Disorders of the lungs and heart - tissue changes are accompanied by increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and deterioration of general well-being.
• Croup (stenosing laryngitis) – occurs in children due to severe respiratory diseases and is manifested by a strong barking cough.

If cyanosis occurs from time to time and appears with additional symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

Why do the corners of the lips turn blue?

The change in color of the nasolabial triangle occurs due to many factors, both physiological and pathological. To determine why the corners of the lips turn blue, you should collect anamnesis and diagnose the possible causes of the unpleasant symptom.

Most often, blueness of the corners of the lips occurs due to pathologies of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. Local cyanosis is characteristic of asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. If, against this background, there is a delay in breathing and the pulse is rapid, then this may be a sign of a heart attack.

Why do lips turn blue in the cold?

The most common cause of cyanosis in both children and adults is hypothermia. Let's take a closer look at why lips turn blue in the cold. The normal pink color of the skin and mucous membranes is ensured by the constant circulation of blood through the vessels. When exposed to cold for a long time, a redistribution of resources occurs. The body throws all its energy into warming the internal organs.

Blood vessels begin to narrow, gradually reducing blood flow. As a result, tissues become bluish and may temporarily lose sensitivity. Upon returning to a warm environment, blood circulation is restored, ensuring the normal functioning of all organs and systems.

To prevent such changes, you should dress warmly, maintaining normal blood circulation. If cyanosis has already appeared, you can drink warm tea or play sports, since moderate physical activity accelerates oxygen throughout all tissues of the body.

Why do poppers make your lips turn blue?

Slang for many chemicals used by inhalation is poppers. They are volatile and flammable liquids with a distinct aroma (from sweet or fruity to quite unpleasant). Such substances quickly decompose under the influence of oxygen and sunlight.

Initially, poppers were used in medical practice to treat asthma attacks. The patient inhaled nitrate vapors, stabilizing breathing and blood circulation. Today, this method of treating asthma is not used, as more effective and safer drugs have been invented. This class of chemical compounds also includes:

• Amyl nitrite is the basis of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
• Butyl nitrite (isobutyl nitrite) is a component for the production of essences and liquid flavors.
• Stimulants, erectile stimulants.

Many people who take such substances often have a question: why do poppers make lips turn blue? The main danger of chemically active drugs is their incorrect use. Long-term contact with skin and mucous membranes causes acute poisoning, contact dermatitis and burns.

Poppers are contraindicated in cardiovascular diseases, anemia, pregnancy. These conditions themselves can cause cyanosis, but poppers use increases the risk of cyanosis. The risk of side effects increases significantly when taking alcohol and drugs. Cyanotic tint may be associated with circulatory disorders caused by increased heart activity and changes in blood pressure due to nitrates.

Why does a child's lower lip turn blue?

When answering the question of why a child's lower lip turns blue, you should carefully assess the baby's general health. The main cause of such cyanosis is a lack of oxygen in the blood. This disorder is typical for:

• Congenital heart defect.
• Septic shock.
• Respiratory diseases (asthma, laryngitis, pneumonia).

Blue areas of the skin may indicate underdevelopment of the circulatory and respiratory systems. Changes occur with hypothermia and affective-respiratory syndrome. In the latter case, cyanosis appears due to the baby's loud crying.

A bluish tint of the skin and mucous membranes can occur simultaneously with changes in the nail plates, upper and lower extremities. This condition requires careful diagnosis and, of course, treatment. During the examination, the child must undergo a set of laboratory tests, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and other studies. If any deviations from the norm are detected, appropriate therapy is prescribed.

Why do lips turn blue with age?

As we age, irreversible changes begin in the body. The skin and mucous membranes lose their elasticity and acquire a cyanotic hue. Why lips turn blue with age is most often associated with the following factors:

• Chronic course of diseases of internal organs.
• Pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
• Lesions of the circulatory system.
• Acute respiratory diseases.
• Low hemoglobin levels in the blood.
• Bad habits (smoking, alcoholism).
• Use of certain medications.
• Intoxication of the body.
• Oxygen starvation.
• Foreign bodies entering the trachea.

To determine why the lips turn blue in adults or children, you should seek medical help. Diagnostics are especially necessary in case of frequent attacks of cyanosis, which occur with additional symptoms that disrupt the functioning of the body.