What happens when you have too much oxygen in your blood?

As a respiratory expert with extensive knowledge in the field of oxygen therapy and its effects on the human body, I can explain the consequences of having too much oxygen in your blood, a condition known as hyperoxia. When the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood increases beyond a certain threshold, it can lead to oxygen toxicity. This can occur in various environments, such as high altitudes or in medical settings where oxygen is administered at high concentrations. The effects of oxygen toxicity can be systemic and are often categorized into two main types: central nervous system (CNS) toxicity and pulmonary (lung) toxicity. CNS toxicity can manifest as symptoms such as visual disturbances, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, which are characterized by a brief period of rigidity followed by convulsions and unconsciousness. This is particularly a concern for divers who breathe compressed air at depths where the partial pressure of oxygen is significantly higher than at sea level. Pulmonary toxicity, on the other hand, involves damage to the lungs. It can cause symptoms such as pain, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. In extreme cases, it can lead to respiratory failure. It's important to note that the risk of oxygen toxicity increases with the concentration of oxygen and the duration of exposure. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor oxygen levels and exposure times, especially in high-risk environments or during medical treatments involving supplemental oxygen.

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.