Lips as a Window to Your Health
Our lips play a major role in our daily lives - from sipping on cocktails to catching up with friends and, of course, kissing. While many of us experience chapped lips from time to time, have you ever considered what your lips might be saying about your overall health? According to Dr. Bernard J Hennessy, a dentist from Texas, lips undergo various changes throughout a person's life, some harmless and others indicating a medical problem.
Signs and Symptoms to Pay Attention To
In this article, we will discuss four different conditions that can be identified by examining your lips:
1. HIV
If you have an ulcer on the inside of your lips that won't heal, it could be a sign of HIV. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the body's immune system and can lead to AIDS if left untreated. While there is no cure for HIV, there are medications available that enable those with the virus to live a long and healthy life, as long as it is caught early. Oral lesions are commonly found in the mouths of 70-90% of HIV positive patients, along with other signs such as fungal infections and a rare type of cancer called Kaposi sarcoma.
2. Pneumonia
Flaky lips can be a sign of pneumonia, especially in children. Pneumonia is a serious infection that causes inflammation in the lungs. It often develops after an illness like the flu or another virus. While pneumonia can affect people of any age, it is more common and severe among young children and the elderly. Symptoms may present differently in children, such as dehydration, fast heartbeat, and cyanosis (blue lips).
3. Cancer
A spot on the lip that won't heal may be a sign of lip cancer. Rates of mouth cancers, including lip cancer, have doubled in the UK over the past ten years. Lip cancer is most common on the lower lip and is typically squamous cell carcinomas, which are generally easy to treat. Excessive sun exposure and smoking are common causes of lip cancer. It is important to protect your face from the sun and quit smoking to reduce the risk of developing lip cancer.
4. IBS
Cracking in the corners of your lips could be a sign of angular cheilitis, a condition linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common digestive condition that affects 15% of the British population. Angular cheilitis, characterized by swollen red patches in the corners of the mouth, often occurs when the body is low in certain vitamins and minerals. Studies have found that 60% of individuals with IBS also experience oral health conditions, such as angular cheilitis. Other common symptoms of IBS include bloating, cramps, and constipation.
By paying attention to the signs and symptoms that appear on our lips, we can potentially identify serious diseases and seek appropriate treatment. If you notice any concerning changes on your lips, it is always best to consult with a medical professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
