OXYGEN TOXICITY

Oxygen, the gas vital to sustain life, can also destroy it. It may become toxic at an elevated partial pressure, which may be the result of a rise in inspired oxygen concentration, an increase in environmental pressure or a combination of both. The toxicity tends to express itself most recognizably in one of several forms including central nervous system manifestations, pulmonary signs and symptoms and ocular effects, especially in premature infants. Other forms of toxicity should be expected in severe exposure but are difficult to detect and hence are not often considered important limitations for the use of oxygen. The onset and degree of the toxicity vary with the concentration of the gas used and the duration of exposure. Marked variations in individual susceptibility are found. Prevention of its occurrence and early detection of toxicity are called for, the treatment being symptomatic.