What does cyanosis (bluish lips or skin) mean?

Cyanosis is a bluish tint of the lips, tongue, nails or skin that appears when the blood is not carrying enough oxygen. It can be caused by certain heart defects, lung problems, or sometimes by cold. If you notice persistent or sudden blueness — especially of the tongue and lips, or with breathing difficulty, poor feeding or lethargy — your child should be assessed promptly. Newborn cyanosis always deserves urgent medical attention.

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