Discolored (blue) lips?

[aspie_and_proud]

What are they usually a symptom of? What could be causing them?

Could it just be the cold and not proper breathing methods?

I have heard this raises a huge red flag and I should haul my butt to the doctor, but my fear of the doctor is kind of getting in the way (agoraphobic). :/ That and a lack of money.

[MysticTree]

Cyanosis. Not good on the whole but it is possible it's the cold. How about the colour of the underside of your tongue?

[MysticTree]

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cyanosis&aq=f&oq=cyanosis&aqs=chrome.0.57j5j0l2j62.1746&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[Arky]

As I'm sure you already know, blue lips can (potentially) be a sign of cyanosis, which may indicate poor oxygenation of the blood. Poor circulation may also be indicated.

Yes, you do need to go and get yourself checked out by a medical doctor. Hopefully it's nothing major, but it could potentially be serious, so don't take the risk of avoiding a doctors appointment. I do appreciate that it's expensive, but what value do you place on your health?

You may well have other symptoms that may provide clues, too, so consider of you have other symptoms, document them, and let your doctor know about these when you approach him/her about your blue lips.


Are you experiencing blue lips 24 hours a day or mostly in the mornings, or some other variation?

For example, some people experience sleep apnoea (interrupted breathing), which can lead to poor oxygenation of the blood.

Also consider that in order to transport oxygen around the body, haemoglobin is required. If you have poor blood count, then oxygenation levels may suffer. However, some sources claim that cyanosis is more readily apparent in those with high haemoglobin counts than those with low haemoglobin counts (anaemia). Either way, you should get your blood count and blood oxygenation levels checked. The latter can be done with a simple clip-on probe (looks like a red LED). Your doctor will also check your blood pressure and heart rate.

Even diabetes may affect blood circulation, and there are numerous outher possible conditions which may affect blood oxygenation and/or blood circulation.

Old time naturopaths would build blood haemoglobin through the use of chlorophyll-rich raw leafy greens and their juices.

However, all of this discussion is secondary - your number one primary objective really should be to consult with a qualified medical doctor ASAP.

[MysticTree]

your number one primary objective really should be to consult with a qualified medical doctor ASAP.

What Arky said for sure.