Blue Lips: A Warning Sign Of Stroke?

Blue lips, known as cyanosis, can be a symptom of a serious medical problem. It is usually caused by low blood oxygen levels or poor circulation. Cyanosis can be central or peripheral, with the former being more likely to cause blue lips. Central cyanosis is characterised by a bluish discolouration of the skin and lips, whereas peripheral cyanosis usually only affects the hands and feet. If you or someone you know has blue lips, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, especially if there are accompanying symptoms such as difficulty breathing or confusion.

Cyanosis: bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes, indicating poor oxygen circulation in the blood

Cyanosis is the medical term for bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes, indicating poor oxygen circulation in the blood. It can also be caused by poor blood flow to other areas of the body.

Cyanosis can be central or peripheral. Central cyanosis affects the lips, tongue, chest, and other parts of the body with thin skin and a lot of blood vessels underneath, such as the earlobes and nails. Peripheral cyanosis usually only affects the hands and feet.

Bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes can be a sign of a serious medical problem. If you or your child's lips, tongue, face, or skin suddenly turn blue or grey, seek immediate medical attention, especially if you are also experiencing difficulty breathing, confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness.

There are many potential causes of cyanosis, including:

• Lung problems, such as asthma, pneumonia, or a pulmonary embolism
• Airway problems, such as choking or anaphylaxis
• Heart problems, such as heart failure or congenital heart disease
• Poor blood circulation due to cold air or water, tight clothing, or jewellery
• Exposure to toxins or certain medications
• Nervous system conditions, such as a drug overdose or seizure
• Endocrine system conditions, such as Addison's disease
• Genetic blood disorders, such as hemoglobinopathy

If you are experiencing cyanosis, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Cardiovascular problems: blue lips can be a sign of heart disease, as the body diverts blood away from non-essential areas

Blue lips can be a symptom of cardiovascular problems, indicating that the body is diverting blood away from non-essential areas. This diversion of blood can be a sign of heart disease, as the body attempts to maintain oxygenated blood flow to vital organs.

Cyanosis is the medical term for bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes, often indicating a lack of oxygen in the blood. Central cyanosis, which affects the lips, tongue, and chest, is usually a sign of a medical condition preventing adequate oxygenation of the blood. Cardiovascular issues, such as congenital heart defects or heart failure, can lead to central cyanosis and blue lips.

In adults, blue lips can signal heart failure, heart valve problems, or other types of heart conditions. For example, in cases of heart failure, the body may not be receiving enough oxygenated blood, resulting in bluish discolouration of the lips. Similarly, congenital heart defects present at birth can cause blue lips due to decreased oxygenated blood flow.

Peripheral cyanosis primarily affects the hands and feet and is often caused by environmental factors like intense cold or high altitudes. However, it can also be linked to cardiovascular issues. For instance, clubbed fingers, a thickening and widening of the fingernails, can be a sign of heart disease. Poor oxygenated blood flow to the fingers may trigger this response as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

Blue lips can also be indicative of serious lung problems, such as asthma, pulmonary embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia. These conditions can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood, resulting in cyanosis.

If you or someone you know is experiencing blue lips, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or dizziness.

Lung problems: blue lips can be caused by pulmonary disease, pneumonia, or asthma

Blue lips, or cyanosis, can be a symptom of serious lung problems. Many types of lung conditions can cause blue lips, including:

• Asthma
• Pulmonary embolism
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia

Cyanosis occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygenated blood. It is often a sign of poor blood flow to other areas of the body. Blue lips can be a warning sign of a medical emergency, such as a severe asthma attack or COPD flare-up.

If you or someone else has blue lips and is experiencing difficulty breathing or has lost consciousness, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Nervous system conditions: blue lips can occur when the brain causes a person to breathe less than normal

Nervous System Conditions

Blue lips can be a symptom of a nervous system condition. If the brain causes a person to breathe less than normal (hypoventilation), it can result in blue lips. This can occur during a drug overdose, a tonic-clonic seizure, or if there is a major bleed in the brain.

Cyanosis is the medical term for bluish discolouration of the skin and mucous membranes, such as the lining of the mouth. It occurs when the body does not receive enough oxygenated blood. While cyanosis can be caused by exposure to cold temperatures or water, it often requires medical intervention.

Central cyanosis affects the lips, tongue, and chest, and is usually a sign of a medical condition preventing the body from getting enough oxygen. Peripheral cyanosis, on the other hand, usually affects the hands and feet and is caused by environmental factors like intense cold.

If you notice blue lips, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if it occurs suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or dizziness.

Endocrine system conditions: Addison's disease, for example, can cause skin pigmentation to appear dusky and dark

Endocrine System Conditions: Addison's Disease

Addison's disease is a rare endocrinal disorder that affects around 1 in 100,000 people. It can occur in all age groups and affects males and females equally. The condition is caused by the destruction of the adrenal cortex, usually due to an autoimmune process, but it can also be the result of infections, malignant infiltration, metabolic dysfunction, granulomatous disease, genetic factors, and more.

Symptoms of Addison's Disease

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Skin and mucosal hyperpigmentation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Libido reduction
• Depression
• Salt-craving
• Dysphagia
• Amenorrhea
• Hypotension
• Thin and brittle nails
• Scanty body hair
• Hyperpigmentation of the skin, neck, and lower abdominal region
• Intraoral pigmentation, including on the tongue, palate, and lips
• Loss of appetite
• Generalized weakness

Diagnosis and Treatment of Addison's Disease

To diagnose Addison's disease, doctors will review the patient's medical history, examine the skin and mucous membranes for hyperpigmentation, and perform tests such as measuring early-morning plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and serum cortisol levels, as well as conducting an ACTH stimulation test. Treatment for Addison's disease involves glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy to relieve symptoms such as hyponatremia and hyperkalemia.

Addison's Disease and Skin Pigmentation

Addison's disease can cause skin pigmentation to appear dusky and dark due to increased levels of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and beta-lipotropin or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hyperpigmentation is typically more prominent in sun-exposed areas, such as the elbows and knees, as well as areas of trauma and pressure. It can also affect the tongue, soft palate, buccal mucosa, lower lip, fingers, and nail beds.

In addition to Addison's disease, other conditions that can cause skin hyperpigmentation include:

• Aminoquinoline drugs
• Minocycline
• Chemotherapeutic agents
• Antimalarials
• Oral contraceptives
• Prostaglandin agonists
• Amiodarone

Frequently asked questions