Purple Hands & Lips

Updated on January 28, 2012
C.H. asks from Castle Rock, CO
4 answers

MY 2 y.o. is just getting over a nasty flu bug & yesterday afternoon & tonight I noticed she has purple hands & lips & feels cold. Our thermostat is set at 70 so I know its not too cold. She is breathing fine, eating & drinking great now that she can keep food/liquids down. Anyone ever experienced this with their little one? I can call my pediatrican tomorrow but their answer is always the same: "Why don't you bring her in..." & EVERY TIME they prescribe meds. I am not opposed to meds but many times they are not necessary & whatever I took her in for runs it course & she gets better. Any thoughts?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from Louisville on

I would call the doctor's office and ask to speak to a nurse. Tell them that you just want to make sure that you aren't overreacting about her symptoms (therefore don't want to just bring your child in). I've done this a few times with mine (especially when it feels like we've spent the entire year in and out of the doctor's office), and they are really good about running through the symptoms and letting me know if I need to be concerned or need to come in. And no, they don't always just say, "come on in".

Just for the record though, bluish fingers and lips are a symptom of pneumonia, and even if you don't hear anything in her breathing yet, if she's just had a severe illness, you may want to have her checked to rule it out.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.G.

answers from Denver on

Did you bundle/swaddle her up? How is the air quality in your home?
There is a free nurse call # at callmom4resources.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.L.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Take her in and have them listen carefully to her lungs, both sides, and check her blood oxygen levels. What you've described is a potential sign of pneumonia, and the difficulty breathing may not become apparent right away. How do I know this? Been there. My son spent 9 days in the hospital with pneumonia last summer. One of the only visible signs was bluey-purple lips, fingers, and toes.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I think you should err on the side of caution and take her in to have her pulse ox taken to make sure that she is getting enough oxygen. I have a 20 month old with breathing problems and living in the higher altitude (we are just down the road in the Springs) doesn't help! Anyway, having a virus may impact her ability to get the oxygen she needs and it won't hurt to have her checked out and if they try to prescribe something you feel is unnecessary you should state just that. Good luck and I hope your DD feels better soon!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions