Why do my lips sometimes turn purple and sometimes appear normal? What should I do?

Generally, lips that sometimes turn purple and sometimes return to normal may be caused by cold exposure, excessive physical exertion, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and receive treatments such as general care or medication under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Cold Exposure

When the body is exposed to cold environments, surface blood vessels, including those in the lips, constrict to reduce heat loss. This leads to slower circulation and relatively reduced oxygen content in the blood, causing the lips to appear purple. It is important to stay warm, add clothing promptly in cold weather, and avoid prolonged exposure to low temperatures.

2. Excessive Physical Exertion

Following intense exercise, oxygen consumption increases, and the heart's output may temporarily fail to meet demand, resulting in relatively inadequate peripheral circulation and potentially purple lips. Exercise should follow the principle of gradual progression, with adequate warm-up before and proper cool-down after workouts.

3. Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is associated with genetic, allergic, and environmental factors. During an asthma attack, airway spasms hinder gas exchange, causing oxygen deficiency that turns lips purple, often accompanied by recurring wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection, salmeterol fluticasone inhalation powder, and montelukast sodium tablets.

4. Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is often caused by long-term smoking, infections, or air pollution. Inflammation can narrow airways and impair ventilation, reducing oxygen intake and lowering blood oxygen saturation, which may cause purple lips. Symptoms also include coughing and phlegm production. Patients can use medications such as amoxicillin capsules, levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, and aminophylline tablets under medical guidance.

5. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease

Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease may result from genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, hypertension, diabetes, and other conditions. Atherosclerosis narrows or blocks coronary arteries, leading to insufficient myocardial blood supply, impaired cardiac function, circulatory disorders, and purple lips. Symptoms may also include chest pain and tightness. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, and nitroglycerin tablets.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a well-ventilated living environment and avoid exposure to harmful substances; regular medical check-ups can help detect and treat underlying diseases promptly.