This can happen with conditions like asthma orAddison’s disease, but also medical emergencies likecarbon monoxide poisoning.
This article will go over some of the medical causes for why lips turn purple or blue.
It explains related symptoms, how the cause is diagnosed, and when you should seek emergency medical care.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health
The word cyanosis comes from the word cyan, which is a greenish-blue color.
Cyanotic changes like blue lips can come on suddenly or gradually.
Usually, the blue discoloration will go away once the cause is found and treated.
Blue lips often occur with purplish or blue color changes in other parts of the body.
What Causes Blue Lips?
The red blood cells in your body usehemoglobinto carry oxygen to all the tissues.
When they dump off oxygen, it changes the configuration of the hemoglobin and makes it a darker color.
In some cases, the body makes up for getting less oxygenat least temporarily.
For example, the body might start making more red blood cells.
However, blue lips are more likely to occur with the central punch in than the peripheral punch in.
This is calledpseudocyanosisand it does not mean there is a problem with the amount of oxygen in the body.
Heart Conditions
Heart disease is a major potential cause that must be checked for.
Lung Conditions
Serious lung problems are another potential cause of blue lips.
Nervous System Conditions
Another cause of blue lips is a serious problem with the central nervous system.
Acrocyanosis can sometimes affect the area around the mouth.
This also occurs in small children when swimming in cold water, for example.
A provider will ask you about your medical history and current medical problems and symptoms.
Many tests can help your provider determine if your blue lips are an emergency.
For example, blue lips present at birth are often from a congenital heart defect.
Treating Conditions That Cause Blue Lips
The treatment for blue lips depends on the cause.
You may need to breathe in extra oxygen or need support with a ventilator to help you breathe.
For a problem likecongenital heart disease, surgery might be needed.
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