In what way can high-concentration oxygen therapy be detrimental?

High-concentration oxygen therapy is beneficial in many situations, such as severe hypoxemia; however, it can also have harmful effects, particularly due to the risk of oxygen toxicity. This phenomenon occurs when tissues are exposed to excessive oxygen levels, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cells and cause inflammation. Specifically, high concentrations of oxygen can adversely affect the lungs, potentially resulting in acute lung injury and other complications, such as pulmonary edema and atelectasis, due to damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Oxygen toxicity is especially a concern when high levels of oxygen are administered for prolonged periods. This risk increases with higher concentrations of oxygen, as the pulmonary and neurological effects can become more pronounced. Overall, understanding the implications of oxygen toxicity is crucial for managing patients receiving high-concentration oxygen therapy, making this the correct choice in understanding its potential detriments.