What is Oxygen Toxicity?
Oxygen toxicity is a condition caused by the buildup of too much oxygen in the body. It occurs when a person breathes in too much oxygen, usually at higher than normal concentrations. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness, nausea, and confusion. Oxygen toxicity can be fatal if not treated quickly.
At What Percentage is Oxygen Toxic?
The amount of oxygen that is considered toxic depends on the individual, but generally, oxygen levels above 21 percent are considered toxic. At this level, the oxygen molecules can begin to damage the cells and tissues of the body. In extreme cases, oxygen levels of up to 60 percent can be toxic, leading to unconsciousness, coma, and even death.
Treatment of Oxygen Toxicity
The treatment of oxygen toxicity depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, the doctor may simply advise the patient to stop breathing in oxygen and to rest for a few days. In more severe cases, the patient may need to be placed on a ventilator to deliver oxygen in a controlled manner. In extreme cases, the patient may need to be placed in a hyperbaric chamber, where the oxygen levels are monitored and controlled.