Hyperoxia

hyperoxia

Hyperoxia means having more oxygen in the body’s tissues or blood than what is typical under normal air conditions. It most often happens when someone receives supplemental oxygen at too high a concentration or for too long, such as during some types of medical oxygen therapy or in hyperbaric oxygen treatment. While oxygen is essential for life, excess oxygen increases the production of reactive oxygen species, which can damage cells, fats, proteins, and DNA. Too much oxygen can harm the lungs, leading to inflammation and reduced lung function, and in severe cases cause damage to the brain and eyes. Knowing about hyperoxia is important because oxygen is a common medical treatment and needs careful monitoring to balance benefit and risk. In some situations, extra oxygen can be lifesaving, but in others—such as certain lung diseases or in premature infants—too much oxygen raises the risk of complications. Clinicians use guidelines to set safe oxygen levels and limit exposure time to avoid toxicity. For patients and caregivers, the takeaway is that oxygen should be used as directed and monitored, because both too little and too much can cause problems.