What can too much oxygen do to you?

As a respiratory therapist with experience in managing patients with various respiratory conditions, I can explain the effects of oxygen toxicity. Oxygen is essential for life, but too much of it can be harmful. When a person breathes in high concentrations of oxygen for an extended period, it can lead to oxygen toxicity. Central nervous system oxygen toxicity can cause seizures, which are characterized by brief periods of rigidity followed by convulsions and unconsciousness. This is a significant concern for divers who breathe compressed air at greater depths, where the pressure of the oxygen is higher than at the surface. Pulmonary oxygen toxicity can result in damage to the lungs, leading to symptoms such as pain and difficulty in breathing. The high concentration of oxygen can cause oxidative stress, which can damage the delicate tissues of the lungs and potentially lead to more serious conditions like **acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)**. It's important to note that the risk of oxygen toxicity increases with the concentration of oxygen in the air and the duration of exposure. Medical professionals are trained to monitor patients' oxygen levels and adjust the concentration accordingly to prevent such complications.

Central nervous system oxygen toxicity can cause seizures, brief periods of rigidity followed by convulsions and unconsciousness, and is of concern to divers who encounter greater than atmospheric pressures. Pulmonary oxygen toxicity results in damage to the lungs, causing pain and difficulty in breathing.