What causes purple lips?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, purple lips may be caused by emotional excitement, environmental factors, anemia, pulmonary embolism, muscular ventricular septal defect, etc. If you experience any discomfort, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The causes of purple lips are complex and varied; it is important to pay attention to bodily changes in daily life and avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments.
Under normal circumstances, purple lips may be caused by emotional excitement, environmental factors, anemia, pulmonary embolism, or muscular ventricular septal defect. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Emotional Factors
Intense emotional fluctuations can lead to hyperventilation, causing excessive elimination of carbon dioxide from the blood, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. This reduces hemoglobin's ability to bind oxygen, leading to purple lips. It is recommended to calm emotions promptly, regulate breathing, and replenish electrolyte-containing beverages.
2. Environmental Factors
In cold environments, peripheral blood vessels constrict to reduce heat loss, slowing circulation and increasing levels of reduced hemoglobin in the blood, which causes the lips to appear purple. No specific treatment is required; symptoms naturally resolve with warming measures.
3. Anemia
A deficiency in vitamin B12 and folic acid can lead to anemia. In severe cases, the number of red blood cells decreases, reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity and potentially causing purple lips. Symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness may also occur. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as folic acid tablets, vitamin B12, and ferrous sulfate tablets for treatment.
4. Pulmonary Embolism
Severe trauma may damage the vascular endothelium, activating the coagulation system and leading to pulmonary embolism. This impairs gas exchange in the lungs, reducing blood oxygen levels and causing purple lips. Symptoms such as coughing and sputum production may also be present. Medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, rivaroxaban tablets, and ambrisentan tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance.
5. Muscular Ventricular Septal Defect
Muscular ventricular septal defect, caused by developmental abnormalities, may lead to abnormal blood shunting and decreased systemic oxygen saturation, resulting in purple lips. Symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath may also occur. Treatment may include medications such as digoxin tablets, sodium nitroprusside for injection, and furosemide tablets, used under medical supervision.
Routine monitoring of bodily changes is advised. Avoid prolonged exposure to cold environments, maintain emotional stability, adhere to regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), and engage in appropriate physical exercise.
