Dangers of Oxygen Administration

Small or premature babies can develop permanent blindness if given a high concentration of oxygen or oxygen at too high a pressure, as this causes fibrosis behind the lenses of the eyes. The concentration and pressure of oxygen can be controlled by using special baby incubators with oxygen, and those attending to them must see that they are kept as ordered by the doctor. Too high a concentration of oxygen over a few hours can also cause inflammation of the trachea and bronchi, and pain behind the sternum.

There is a danger of respiratory failure if patients with lung damage, such as emphysema, are put into oxygen tents or given too high a concentration. This is because the respiratory centre has become so accustomed to the high concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood that this no longer stimulates it. It is only stimulated by the lack of oxygen, and giving too much oxygen withdraws the stimulus. As respiratory movements decrease, carbon dioxide accumulates in the blood, and the patient suffers from carbon dioxide poisoning.

To avoid this danger patients with heart failure or bronchial pneumonia complicating emphysema are usually not put in oxygen tents, but are given oxygen intermittently by special masks. These allow the oxygen to be mixed with air, and do not allow the patient to re-breathe expired carbon dioxide. Hyperbaric oxygen may be used in conjunction with radiotherapy, the patient being placed in a special chamber containing oxygen at more than atmospheric pressure. This can cause perforation of the eardrum, and before this treatment the patient should be examined by an ear surgeon.

There are also dangers of fire or an explosion. There should be no smoking anywhere near tents or cylinders in use, and matches should be removed from patients who are confused or irresponsible. Children in oxygen tents should not be given sparking toys, and should not wear nylon nightclothes which cause static electricity.

These are just some of the things that should be taken into account if you ever find yourself needing oxygen treatment for an illness.

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