What to do if lips turn purple due to altitude sickness
Disease description:
Today during a trip, I developed altitude sickness and noticed my lips turned purple. What should I do about purple lips caused by altitude sickness?
When high-altitude reaction causes lips to turn purple:
1. First, find a safe place to rest as soon as possible, avoid strenuous exercise, and reduce oxygen consumption.
2. If conditions permit, administer oxygen therapy—such as via face mask or nasal cannula—to relieve hypoxia.
3. In emergencies, anti-hypoxia medications such as acetazolamide may also be taken; this drug increases red blood cell count, improves lung function, and enhances the body's tolerance to low-oxygen environments. Meanwhile, keep warm to prevent cold from worsening symptoms. If lip discoloration does not improve or is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications such as high-altitude pulmonary edema or high-altire cerebral edema.