Why do the upper and lower lips turn blue?

The appearance of the lips is an indicator of the state of health. Consider why the lips turn blue, the main causes, the accompanying symptoms, the methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Cyanosis, that is, blue skin and mucous membranes, this is not an independent disease, but a sign of certain disorders in the body. In its 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 caused by a large number of blood vessels. If the skin darkens or becomes bluish, this indicates serious problems with the body.

The main causes of unpleasant changes:

1. Oxygen starvation and hypoxemia - are due to a decreased level of oxygen in the body. The skin acquires a violet-blue color. Most often, this condition is associated with such factors:
   • Complete or partial absence of oxygen in the air. For example, smoking leads to a decrease in oxygen circulation in the alveoli of the lungs.
   • Prolonged lying in a lying position causes stagnation of air in the lungs.
   • Operative interventions with the use of anesthesia.
   • Overlapping the respiratory tract with foreign bodies and particles.
   • Violation of the integrity of the lungs.
2. Long stay in a room / space with a low oxygen content.
3. Various hormonal changes in the body, including pregnancy.
4. Supercooling of the body and rapid rise to a height.
5. Increased physical activity.
6. Intoxication of the body with food products or an overdose of medication.
7. Diseases of the cardiovascular system (chronic pathologies, congenital anomalies).
8. Iron-deficiency anemia.
9. Pathology of the circulatory system.
10. Shock condition caused by anaphylactic or septic shock, blood loss or spinal cord / brain injury.
11. Raynaud's disease - because of stress and overstrain, small vessels burst, changing the color of the lips and other areas of the skin.
12. Respiratory system disorders.

Cyanosis can occur suddenly or develop gradually. It depends on the cause that provoked the disorder. Most often, pathology is associated with spasms of blood vessels. If on the background of blue lips there is a rapid heartbeat, a discoloration of the nails or suffocation, then this condition is very dangerous. To establish the exact cause of the defect is possible only after a comprehensive survey. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the most appropriate treatment.

Why do the lips turn blue in the adult?

There are many factors that provoke cyanosis of different parts of the skin and mucous membranes. Consider the most common reasons why the lips turn blue in the adult:

• Deficiency of oxygen in the blood and traumatization of small capillaries. Changes are observed from the tissues of the lips, the auricles, the tip of the nose and fingers. The skin is cyanotic and cold to the touch.
• Diseases of the cardiovascular system provoke a slowdown in the flow of blood to the tissues of the body. Oxygen starvation causes an increase in the level of hemoglobin due to carbon dioxide. Against this background, blueing of tissues and mucous membranes occurs, respiratory distress appears, arrhythmia, swelling of the lower limbs, dull pain in the sternum.
• Diseases of the respiratory system with violation of gas exchange. In the vessels there is an increased concentration of carbon dioxide, which gives the dermis a characteristic shade. Dysfunction of bronchial tubes, lungs, as well as congenital anomalies of cardiac septums provoke central cyanosis.
• Intoxication of the body with chemicals, medicines, food.

Increased physical exertion, emotional distress, prolonged hypothermia or exacerbation of chronic diseases, can also cause pathological changes. If the cyanosis is peripheral, the blue lips are cold, while the diffuse form of the tissue remains warm. Changes that have arisen in a short period of time are the most dangerous, since they can indicate clogging of blood vessels with thrombi, asphyxiation, asphyxiation.

Why does the child's lips turn blue?

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

• Congenital heart defect.
• Neonatal pneumonia.
• Asthmatic state.
• Sharp hypothermia of the body.
• Septic shock.
• Oxygen starvation.
• Allergic reactions to foods, medicines.
• Intracranial hemorrhages.
• Meningoencephalitis.
• Cerebral edema.
• Calcium deficiency and excess phosphate in the body.

The appearance of cyanosis can be caused by respiratory diseases. Children younger than 3 years of age are often diagnosed with cereal. For this pathology, inflammation of the vocal cords, marked stenosis of the larynx, dry cough, wheezing, elevated body temperature is characteristic.

A painful condition arises from the spasms of the larynx - an affective-respiratory syndrome. Pathology is characterized by a sharp stop of breathing with inspiration and the inability to exhale. It arises because of the increased excitability of the nervous system. The child pales, and then turns blue. ARS acts as a kind of reflex, which occurs with loud crying. The attack lasts about a minute and is typical for children under three years old. In 90% of cases up to the age of eight, the affective-respiratory syndrome passes.

If the cyanosis of the lips occurs too often and is accompanied by additional symptoms (pain in the sternum, high blood pressure, convulsions, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, deterioration of overall health), then immediately seek medical help. The pediatrician will examine the child, perform a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe a treatment for restoring blood circulation and normalizing the natural color of the skin.

Why blue above the lip?

Problems with the cardiovascular system - this is the main reason why it turns blue above the lip. Due to attempts to replenish the blood vessels, the tissues acquire a cyanotic shade. The symptom is associated with a hemoglobin deficiency in the vessels that gave oxygen to the tissues and did not recover. This condition is observed when the body lacks iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and protein.

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 of the lungs and pathologies that cause bronchial conduction disorders.

If the painful condition persists for a long period of time, periodically makes itself felt or proceeds with additional symptoms, then immediately seek medical help. The earlier the cause of the violation is established, the higher the chances of avoiding all sorts of complications.

Why is the upper lip blue?

With such a problem as a cyanotic skin tone, at least once, but everyone was faced. Why does the upper lip turn blue, what factors cause changes and how to eliminate them? Consider the main causes of an unpleasant symptom:

• Disturbances from the pulmonary system - this may be pulmonary embolism, prolonged exposure to water or high altitude, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe pneumonia.
• Pathology of the respiratory tract - suffocation, infection in which the lumen of the bronchi or trachea, bronchiectasis, croup, inflammation and edema of the epiglottis narrows.
• Cardiovascular diseases - heart failure, congenital malformations, temporary cardiac arrest.

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

Why is the lower lip blue?

Long stay in the cold is the most common reason why the lower lip turns blue. Because of the cooling of the body, the body's resources are redistributed in order to warm up the internal organs as much as possible. That is, the violation and reduction of blood circulation through the vessels leads to a discoloration of the skin and loss of sensitivity. As soon as the color of the tissues returns to normal, we can assume that the body's work is restored.

• Changes can be associated with a lack of oxygen. Very often smokers encounter this. Because of the toxic gases released by the cigarette during decay, hypoxia occurs, that is, oxygen starvation.
• Another possible factor of the disorder is diseases of the cardiovascular system. In this case, the skin and mucous membranes acquire a dark blue, purple hue.
• Changing skin tone with rapid pulse and shortness of breath is a violation of lung function or heart function. Blueing in the corners of the mouth can indicate a heart attack or thrombus formation in the vessels of the lung tissue, asthmatic condition, pneumonia.
• Reduced hemoglobin level due to iron deficiency anemia. Deficiency of iron-containing protein is due to poor nutrition and heavy blood loss.

Cyanosis occurs with Reynod's disease. This pathology is associated with severe stress and emotional experiences, accompanied by a lowered temperature, paresthesia, impaired blood exchange.

Why does it turn blue around my lips?

The cyanotic shade of the skin and mucous membranes indicates serious problems in the body. To determine why the blue around the lips, especially if it appears too often, you should seek medical help and undergo comprehensive diagnosis.

In most cases, a painful condition is associated with oxygen starvation. Skin and mucous membranes acquire a violet color due to a rise in the blood of reduced hemoglobin or a decrease in the level of oxygen. This condition is typical for cardiovascular diseases.

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

Why, when the baby cries and turns blue lips?

Many parents wonder: why, when the baby cries blue lips? First of all, it should be noted that in normal condition, the color of the tissues should be pink, indicating a good circulation.

The main cause of the disorder is the affective-respiratory syndrome. It arises from 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 state where the child can not exhale and breathe. At the same time the muscles of the baby are spasmodic. The attack lasts from a few seconds to 5-7 minutes, but on average about 30-60 seconds. If the period of apnea is longer, then loss of consciousness is possible - an atypical atypical attack due to acute oxygen deficiency of the brain.

Distinctive features of ADR:

• Pronounced cyanosis or pallor of the skin.
• Increased sweating.
• Weak muscular agitation.
• Slow recovery after an attack.

Very often, wrapping in crying is interrupted after stopping breathing and short limp of the body for 5-10 seconds. Spasm of the larynx is reflexively removed, the child makes a sharp breath or exhalation. Gradually the state is restored. If the process of hypoxia is not interrupted, then convulsions arise, as a response of the body to the accumulation of carbon dioxide. Thanks to the reflex removal of muscle spasms, the child begins to breathe, blood circulation and skin color are restored. According to medical statistics, similar attacks occur with the same frequency in boys and girls aged 6 to 18 months, in rare cases up to 5 years.

In any case, the cyanosis of the skin - a signal that the body receives less oxygen. This condition is associated with the presence in the venous blood of pathological hemoglobin derivatives that are not capable of transporting oxygen. It can act as a symptom of diseases of the cardiovascular or respiratory system. In some cases, peripheral cyanosis is associated with the process of maturation of the circulatory system of the child. As he grows up, he goes on his own.

If blue lips appear too often or occurs with additional symptoms, you should consult your doctor. The specialist will determine the characteristics of the violation (physiological, pathological) and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

Why does the newborn have bluish lips?

Cyanotic skin tone in babies is very often observed in the first months of life, causing panic in parents. Blueing of the nasolabial triangle can be associated with both physiological and pathological factors. Let's consider in more detail why the newborn's lips turn blue:

• Reducing the concentration of oxygen in the blood. The normal figure is in the range of 92.5-95%, but because of the strong crying and overexertion it falls below 92%. This is observed when the body is undercooled, light and thin skin with a close arrangement of blood vessels to its surface.
• Infectious diseases with shortness of breath. In addition to cyanosis appears dyspnea, increased pallor of the limbs. Without timely treatment, pathological symptoms become more pronounced.
• The presence of a foreign object in the respiratory tract. If before the lips of the baby have never changed their color, and now cyanosis occurs with shortness of breath, then the respiratory tract should be inspected. If necessary, call an ambulance.

In addition to the above reasons, cyanotic lips, which persists for a long period of time, can also indicate such violations: congenital heart disease, malformation of the pulmonary artery, heart failure. The most common defect on the part of the cardiovascular system is not the closure of the oval window. In this pathology, arterial and venous blood are mixed, reducing oxygen saturation and causing cyanosis.

The painful condition in newborns is due to inadequate 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 pass until 3-4 months of the child's life, then it is necessary to show the baby to the pediatrician, neurologist and cardiologist.

Why do the lips turn blue with physical activity?

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

Circulation along the periphery, that is, on the lips and limbs, decreases, causing cyanosis. Such hypoxia is physiological, that is, it is not dangerous, as the condition recovers after the completion of high loads.

If there is an additional symptomatology:

• Increased drowsiness.
• Lethargy.
• Headaches and dizziness.
• Noise in ears.
• Inhibition.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Convulsions.
• Violation of consciousness.

This can be a sign of diseases of the cardiovascular system. This condition requires thorough comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.

Why do my lips sometimes turn blue?

Many of us, at least once, but wondered why sometimes the lips turn blue. In most cases, this is due to hypothermia, increased physical exertion, use of coloring products or substances that cause intoxication. After the end of the action of the irritating factor, the condition is normalized, the color of the skin and mucous membranes is restored.

Let's consider more detailed possible causes of cyanosis:

• Subcooling - changes in skin color are associated with a violation of the constant circulation of blood through the vessels. Because of the cooling, the resources are redistributed, that is, all the forces of the body rush to warm the internal organs. Blood vessels in the lips and extremities narrow, reducing the flow of blood. Because of this, the tissues acquire a bluish tinge and lose sensitivity.
• Iron deficiency anemia - pink skin color 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, trauma, complications of peptic ulcer.
• Oxygen starvation - occurs due to toxic substances that affect the body. This condition is very often observed in smokers.
• Disorders from the side of the lungs and the heart - changes in tissues are accompanied by a rapid pulse, a delay in breathing, a deterioration in overall well-being.
• Croup (stenosing laryngitis) - occurs in children due to severe diseases of the respiratory system, manifested by a strong barking cough.

If cyanosis appears from time to time with additional symptoms, you should seek medical help.

Why do the corners of my lips turn blue?

The change in the color of the nasolabial triangle is due to a variety of factors, both physiological and pathological. To establish why the corners of the lips turn blue, one should collect anamnesis and diagnose possible causes of an unpleasant symptom.

Most of the blue spots of the lips appear due to pathologies from the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. Local cyanosis is typical for asthma, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia. If this is accompanied by a delay in breathing, and the pulse is rapid, this can be a sign of a heart attack.

Why are the lips blue in the cold?

The most common cause of cyanosis in both children and adults is the hypothermia of the body. Let us consider in more detail why the lips turn blue in the cold. Normal pink color of the skin and mucous membranes is provided by constant circulation of blood along the vessels. If you stay in the cold for a long time, there is a redistribution of resources. All the strength of the body throws on the warming of internal organs.

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

In order to prevent such a change, you should warmly dress, maintaining normal blood circulation. If cyanosis has already appeared, then you can drink warm tea or go in for sports, because moderate physical activity accelerates oxygen in all tissues of the body.

Why do lips turn blue from poppers?

The slang name of many chemicals used by inhalation is poppers. They are volatile and flammable liquids with a pronounced flavor (from sweet or fruity to very unpleasant). Such substances quickly decompose under the influence of oxygen and sunlight.

Initially, poppers was used in medical practice to treat asthmatic attacks. The patient inhaled vapors of nitrates, stabilizing breathing and blood circulation. To date, this way of treating asthma is not used, since more effective and safe drugs have been invented. Also in this class of chemical compounds are:

• Amyl nitrite is the basis of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
• Butylnitrite (isobutyl nitrite) - a component for the production of essences and liquid flavors.
• Drugs-stimulants, stimulants of erection.

Many people who take this kind of substance do not rarely have a question: why the poppers are turning blue lips. The main danger of chemically active drugs in their incorrect application. Prolonged contact with skin and mucous membranes causes acute poisoning, contact dermatitis and burns.

Poppers contraindicated in diseases of the cardiovascular system, anemia, pregnancy. These conditions alone can cause cyanosis, but the use of poppers increases the risk of cyanosis. The risk of adverse reactions increases significantly when taking alcohol and drugs. Cyanotic shade can be associated with impaired blood circulation, caused by increased heart function and changes in blood pressure due to nitrates.

Why does the child's lower lip turn blue?

Answering the question, why the lower lip of the child is blue, the overall health of the baby should be carefully evaluated. The main reason for this cyanosis is the lack of oxygen in the blood. This violation is typical for:

• Congenital heart defect.
• Septic shock.
• Diseases of the respiratory system (asthma, laryngitis, pneumonia).

The blue spots of the skin can indicate the underdevelopment of the circulatory and respiratory systems. Changes occur when the body is undercooled and the affective-respiratory syndrome. In the latter case, cyanosis appears because of the strong crying of the baby.

The bluish shade 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 pass a set of laboratory tests, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and other studies. If any abnormalities are detected, appropriate therapy is prescribed.

Why do lips turn blue with age?

As aging takes place, irreversible changes begin in the body. Skin and mucous membranes lose their elasticity and acquire a cyanotic hue. That's why the lips turn blue with age are most often associated with such factors:

• Chronic course of internal diseases.
• Pathology of the cardiovascular system.
• Disorders of the circulatory system.
• Acute respiratory diseases.
• Reduced hemoglobin level in the blood.
• Harmful habits (smoking, alcoholism).
• Use of certain medications.
• Intoxication of the body.
• Oxygen starvation.
• Getting into the trachea of foreign bodies.

To determine why bluish lips in adults or children, you should seek medical help. Diagnosis is especially necessary in cases of frequent cyanosis attacks, which occur with additional symptoms that disrupt the body.