Blue lips are a serious enough symptom that can not be ignored. Of course, if the lips turn blue due to hypothermia, this is a natural phenomenon, but if this happens for no apparent reason, you should definitely consult a doctor. Consider what can make lips glow, and what accompanying symptoms can accompany this phenomenon.
Blue lips - reasons
Lack of oxygen in the body
In other words - oxygen starvation. This can occur due to exposure to the body of toxic gas or constant smoking. Hypoxemia - a decrease in the level of oxygen in the blood - can also arise from such causes:
- circulatory disturbance;
- increased need for oxygen in tissues due to excessive muscular load (when the load often turns blue lips);
- reduction of gas exchange in the lungs during pathological processes in them;
- decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the inspired air (altitude sickness), etc.
In such cases, there is a dark blue, almost violet shade of the lips, as well as blanching of the skin, difficulty breathing, dizziness, etc.
Iron-deficiency anemia
This disease is associated with a low level of hemoglobin in the blood. The causes of the pathology may be insufficient intake of iron with food, an increased need for the body in the gland (for example, during pregnancy), impaired iron absorption, bleeding (including menstrual). In this case it is observed:
- blue lips;
- pallor of the skin;
- general weakness;
- dry mouth, etc.
Violation of the functions of the heart and blood vessels
Sudden, sharp, blue lips, accompanied by shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, can indicate a variety of heart diseases, as well as pulmonary embolism. In this case, a person needs urgent help.
Blue lips - what should I do?
If this symptom occurs, especially if it is accompanied by other anxiety symptoms, you should immediately go to a medical facility. To find out why the lips are turning blue, it will be necessary to carry out diagnostic measures that may include:
- a general blood test ;
- electrocardiogram;
- Ultrasound of the heart.
Only after finding out the reasons for blue lips can be prescribed appropriate treatment, depending on the disease and the severity of the process.