Blue lips, or cyanosis, occur when there is low oxygen in the tissue around the skin. It can be caused by high hemoglobin levels, chronic heart problems, extreme cold, or choking. Seek medical help immediately if lips turn blue, as it can be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Treatment includes a healthy lifestyle plan, a decrease in salt intake, and smoking cessation.
The condition of having blue lips is also known by the medical term cyanosis. It appears in the tissue around the skin where the oxygen level is low. The condition is seen in people who have high hemoglobin levels. Depending on a person’s skin pigment, blue lips might be difficult to detect. Some medical conditions, such as chronic heart problems, will cause a person to have bluish lips. Extreme cold and stuffy conditions can also cause blue lips.
Chronic heart problems are caused by the heart’s inability to pump an efficient amount of blood around the body. People with heart failure experience symptoms such as coughing, blue lips, swollen legs, and shortness of breath. At the first sign of your lips turning blue, you should seek medical help right away. Chronic heart failure is dangerous and can be fatal. Treatment consists of a healthy lifestyle plan, a decrease in salt intake, and smoking cessation, if applicable.
Extreme cold conditions or hypothermia are other causes of blue lips. People who travel to places at high altitudes are at risk of experiencing extreme cold and lasting hypothermia. If a person’s body temperature drops well below normal body temperature, their body may go into shock. A body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) can cause chills, disorientation, and bluish lips due to low oxygen levels. The person’s body temperature should be brought back to normal as quickly as possible.
Choking disrupts normal breathing and causes a person’s oxygen level to decrease. During this time, there is not enough air flowing into the lungs. When the person stops breathing due to obstruction, the lips and other facial tissue will turn blue. Immediate medical attention is needed to restore oxygen to the person.
People who have experienced blue lips know it can be a scary ordeal. It’s important to know your health history and follow the orders of a healthcare professional when dealing with any condition that depletes your body’s oxygen level. Knowing some of the causes of blue lips can help people recognize a life-threatening situation and seek the appropriate help.
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