Why do lips turn purple after swimming, and what should be done?

Generally, purple lips after swimming may be caused by low temperature stimulation, physical fatigue, anemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive general treatment, medication therapy, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Low Temperature Stimulation

During swimming, the body remains in a cold water environment for an extended period. To reduce heat loss, surface blood vessels constrict and blood flow is redirected toward vital organs, resulting in relatively reduced circulation to peripheral areas such as the lips, causing them to appear purple. It is recommended to warm up sufficiently before swimming and to choose appropriate swimming durations based on water temperature, avoiding prolonged exposure to excessively cold water.

2. Physical Fatigue

Extended swimming can cause excessive physical fatigue and excessive energy consumption, leading to a relative decline in the heart's ability to pump blood. This results in insufficient blood supply to peripheral tissues, causing the lips to appear purple due to inadequate perfusion. It is recommended to plan swimming time and intensity reasonably, avoid excessive fatigue, and take appropriate rest breaks during swimming.

3. Anemia

Anemia, often caused by insufficient iron intake, poor absorption, or chronic blood loss, may lead to reduced red blood cells or hemoglobin levels, decreasing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Following swimming, when oxygen demand increases, the lips and other areas may become purple due to hypoxia. Symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue may also occur. Under medical guidance, medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, iron fumarate granules, and vitamin C tablets may be used for treatment.

4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is often caused by long-term smoking, air pollution, or recurrent respiratory infections. It leads to impaired lung function and gas exchange difficulties. After swimming, oxygen consumption increases, worsening hypoxia and potentially causing purple lips. Symptoms may also include coughing and sputum production. Patients may use medications such as salbutamol aerosol, tiotropium bromide powder inhaler, and aminophylline tablets as directed by a physician.

5. Heart Failure

Heart failure may be caused by myocardial disease, excessive cardiac workload, or other factors. The heart's diminished pumping ability cannot meet the body's metabolic needs, and swimming further increases the cardiac burden, causing purple lips. Symptoms such as dyspnea and edema may also occur. Under a doctor's recommendation, medications such as digoxin tablets, furosemide injection, and torasemide tablets may be used for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to undergo a comprehensive physical examination before swimming, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or feel unwell, to ensure your physical condition is suitable for swimming.