Newborns may have purple lips when drinking milk due to various reasons, including non-pathological factors such as environmental factors and improper feeding methods, as well as pathological conditions such as anemia and congenital heart disease.
In cold environments or when newborns are not adequately warm, exposure to cold may cause purple lips. In such cases, improving warmth usually helps alleviate the issue without requiring specific treatment.
Incorrect feeding methods, such as overfeeding or feeding too quickly, may increase pressure on the digestive system, leading to bloating, abdominal pain, and possibly respiratory difficulties. Controlling the feeding amount and speed appropriately can help ease this problem.
Pathologically, newborn anemia is a common cause, especially when insufficient hemoglobin synthesis due to iron deficiency affects oxygen transport, resulting in purple lips during sucking. Doctors may recommend treatment with iron supplements such as oral ferrous gluconate or iron (II) gluconate solution.
Congenital heart disease, where the heart and major blood vessels develop abnormally, may be triggered by genetic or other factors, with affected children often showing symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and fatigue, and may have difficulties while drinking milk. Mild cases can be monitored through regular follow-ups, while severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, and others should not be overlooked as potential causes. In cases of purple lips, prompt medical attention is necessary to determine the root cause through professional examinations and receive tailored treatment.
