Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is commonly used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness or neonatal respiratory distress. HBOT involves the administration of oxygen at pressure levels that are higher than normal, according to the American Cancer Society. If this type of therapy is used incorrectly or for an extended period of time it may lead to oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity is a condition that occurs when an individual is exposed to high concentrations of oxygen for a prolonged period of time.
Pulmonary Symptoms
According to a review article published in Journal, Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine, exposure to high concentrations of oxygen can cause a number of pulmonary symptoms to develop. Oxygen toxicity can severely damage the tissue that lines the inside of the lungs and can lead to an increase in the thickness of normal fluid in the lungs. This condition may also lead to increased fluid in the lungs of certain individuals, which may eventually lead to the collapse of one or both lungs. Such conditions may lead to severely labored breathing---sometimes referred to as cogwheel breathing---and in some instances may lead to the cessation of breath altogether.
Central Nervous System Symptoms
An article in Scuba Dive magazine notes that oxygen toxicity can lead to the development of a number of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. Oxygen toxicity may lead to twitching of the face, such as of the nose or eyelids. Fainting, convulsions or auditory hallucinations may be experienced by certain people with this condition. Oxygen toxicity may also cause individuals to exhibit facial pallor (paleness). The Journal, Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine also notes that nausea, behavioral alterations (e.g., confusion or clumsiness) or convulsions may occur in individuals who are exposed to toxic levels of oxygen. Individuals with oxygen toxicity may experience a decreased heart rate (bradycardia) or heart palpitations.
Ocular Symptoms
Individuals who develop oxygen toxicity may experience a number of ocular symptoms as a result of this condition. Scuba Diving magazine notes that certain people may experience a constriction of the field of vision. Retinal hemorrhage or fibrosis may also occur in certain people who have prolonged exposure to high concentrations of oxygen. Such conditions may subsequently lead to retinal detachment or blindness, according to Journal, Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine. If you exhibit any of these symptoms of oxygen toxicity, seek emergency medical care immediately.
