Excessive oxygen intake is like drinking poison to quench thirst. Although oxygen is the source of life, excessive intake can pose a deadly threat. Oxygen poisoning, a danger lurking in high-concentration oxygen environments, is quietly threatening our health. Understanding it, understanding it, can effectively prevent and respond promptly, and protect the vitality of life.

Oxygen poisoning: danger of excessive oxygen inhalation

Oxygen is the source of life, but too much is not enough. When the human body is exposed to high concentrations of oxygen for too long, oxygen poisoning, also known as oxygen overdose, can occur. This is a potentially serious disease that can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms and even endanger life.

Symptoms of oxygen poisoning

The symptoms of oxygen poisoning usually depend on oxygen concentration and exposure time. Common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
cough
Sore throat
nausea
vomit
Blurred vision
Blurred consciousness
Seizures

The etiology of oxygen poisoning

Oxygen poisoning is usually caused by the following reasons:

High concentration oxygen therapy: is used to treat patients with certain respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pneumonia.
Diving: The compressed air or mixed gas used by divers contains high concentrations of oxygen.
Hyperbaric oxygen chamber: a high-pressure oxygen chamber used to treat decompression sickness or other diseases.

Diagnosis of oxygen poisoning

If there is suspicion of oxygen poisoning in the patient, the doctor will conduct a physical examination and inquire about the medical history. They may conduct the following checks:

Chest X-ray: Check for any damage to the lungs.
Arterial blood gas analysis: measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
Pulmonary function test: Evaluate lung function.

Treatment of oxygen poisoning

The treatment method for oxygen poisoning is to remove the source of oxygen. For patients receiving high-concentration oxygen therapy, doctors may reduce oxygen flow or stop treatment. For divers, they will be brought to the surface and given extra oxygen.

Other treatment methods may include:

Supportive care: providing fluids and medication to control symptoms.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used to help clear excess oxygen from the body.

Prevention of oxygen poisoning

The best way to prevent oxygen poisoning is to avoid exposure to high oxygen concentrations. For patients receiving high-concentration oxygen therapy, following the doctor’s instructions and closely monitoring the oxygen flow rate is important. Divers should receive appropriate training and use safety equipment.

The long-term effects of oxygen poisoning

In some cases, severe or prolonged oxygen poisoning can lead to lung damage and even long-term health problems such as pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, regular lung examinations are important for individuals who have experienced oxygen poisoning.

National Medical Library: Oxygen poisoning

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States: Oxygen poisoning

conclusion

Oxygen poisoning is a potentially serious disease, but it can be effectively managed through preventive measures and timely treatment. If you have any questions or concerns

Common problems of patients with oxygen poisoning