What are the hazards of high-concentration oxygen inhalation?

Apr 18, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Guo Xiheng

Introduction

Hazards of high-concentration oxygen inhalation generally include respiratory depression, atelectasis, and oxygen toxicity. Oxygen therapy primarily alleviates hypoxia through artificial intervention, maintains blood oxygen saturation, and supports normal organ function. However, administering high-concentration oxygen may lead to excessive production of oxygen free radicals and elevated oxygen levels in the body.

The risks of high-concentration oxygen therapy generally include respiratory depression, atelectasis, and oxygen toxicity. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Respiratory Depression

Oxygen therapy primarily alleviates hypoxia through artificial intervention, maintains blood oxygen saturation, and supports normal organ function. However, high-concentration oxygen administration may lead to excessive levels of oxygen free radicals and elevated oxygen content in the body. Under the influence of feedback mechanisms, the body may suppress oxygen intake, resulting in reduced activity of the respiratory center and potentially causing respiratory depression.

2. Atelectasis

If a patient continuously receives high-concentration oxygen, the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs becomes excessively high. Although alveoli are filled with oxygen, carbon dioxide cannot be effectively expelled from the body. This leads to decreased alveolar tension and may result in atelectasis.

3. Oxygen Toxicity

When excessive amounts of high-concentration oxygen are absorbed by the body, blood oxygen saturation continues to rise. Oxygen free radicals may interfere with normal organ metabolism and induce genetic mutations, leading to oxygen toxicity.

In addition, retrolental fibroplasia (abnormal fibrous tissue growth behind the eye lens) may also occur. It is recommended that oxygen therapy be administered under medical supervision. If any abnormalities arise, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is necessary.

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Is oxygen therapy needed if blood oxygen saturation is 90%-92%?

The blood oxygen level mentioned here generally refers to arterial blood oxygen saturation. Venous blood oxygen saturation of 90%-92% does not have specific clinical significance. When the arterial blood oxygen saturation is 90%-92%, oxygen therapy may be required if symptoms of hypoxia are present; however, if there are no obvious symptoms, oxygen therapy may not be necessary. During oxygen administration, the patient's blood oxygen saturation should be closely monitored.

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What are the benefits and side effects of oxygen inhalation?

Under normal circumstances, the benefits of oxygen inhalation include relieving fatigue, improving sleep, enhancing brain function, reducing the burden on the heart and lungs, and promoting wound healing. Side effects may include oxygen toxicity, dryness of the respiratory tract, posterior capsular fibrosis of the lens, respiratory depression, and absorption atelectasis. Oxygen inhalation should be strictly controlled according to a doctor's recommendations regarding oxygen concentration and duration; do not adjust these parameters arbitrarily on your own.

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Is it necessary to continuously receive oxygen therapy when blood oxygen levels are between 88% and 90%?

Blood oxygen should refer to blood oxygen saturation. If an individual's arterial blood oxygen saturation is between 88% and 90% and there are no abnormal symptoms, continuous oxygen inhalation may not be necessary. However, if there are accompanying abnormal symptoms such as chest pain or rapid breathing, continuous oxygen inhalation might be required. If the venous blood oxygen saturation is between 88% and 90%, oxygen inhalation is generally not needed. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.

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What does "oxygen inhalation 8H" mean?

Oxygen inhalation for 8 hours generally refers to a patient requiring continuous oxygen intake over an 8-hour period. This procedure is primarily used to correct hypoxia, increase arterial blood oxygen partial pressure and oxygen saturation, thereby improving the patient's physiological condition. During oxygen therapy, the oxygen flow rate must be controlled according to medical instructions; patients should not adjust the flow rate on their own. The oxygen delivery equipment should be kept clean, and nasal cannulas should be replaced regularly to prevent infection due to contamination.

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What to do if you have a fever at high altitude

In general, the management of fever at high altitudes mainly includes rest and oxygen inhalation, cooling measures, medication, hydration and gastric protection, as well as close monitoring of the condition. Additionally, during treatment, medications should be taken strictly as prescribed by a doctor, avoiding self-administration or increasing dosages without guidance. If body temperature remains elevated, symptoms worsen, or confusion occurs, immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital is necessary.

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What is oxygen toxicity?

Oxygen toxicity refers to a toxic reaction caused by excessive or prolonged inhalation of high-concentration oxygen under hyperbaric conditions, leading to damage in body tissues and organs. It does not occur during normal oxygen inhalation from ambient air. Symptoms of oxygen toxicity vary and may involve different systems: when affecting the lungs, symptoms may include coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing; when involving the central nervous system, symptoms may include headache, nausea, and seizures.

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Why is continuous low-flow oxygen therapy necessary?

In general, continuous low-flow oxygen therapy is required to maintain stability of the respiratory center, prevent oxygen toxicity, improve hypoxia and protect organs, adapt to chronic hypoxic states, and reduce carbon dioxide retention. Additionally, during continuous low-flow oxygen therapy, oxygen saturation should be regularly monitored and the oxygen flow rate adjusted according to the patient's condition. If symptoms such as worsening dyspnea or altered consciousness occur.

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Is oxygen effective for shortness of breath?

When shortness of breath is caused by lung diseases, heart problems, or other factors leading to insufficient oxygen intake, symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, and cyanosis of the fingernails may occur. In such cases, oxygen therapy can directly supplement oxygen, improve the body's hypoxic state, and alleviate respiratory discomfort. However, if the shortness of breath is triggered by intense emotional fluctuations, airway spasms, or other causes not related to hypoxia, oxygen administration may not address the underlying issue.

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