Oxygen Therapy detrimental for some

For those who are healthy, they may suffer no ill effects. For some of us, producing high level of free radicals, it may cause even worse symptoms.

The first time I was given oxygen, it made me ill with various symptoms lasting many weeks. The symptoms were very similar to oxidative stress, meaning, I could feel a high level of free radicals very similar post minimal physical exertion and/or high level of air pollution. Thereafter, whenever I was offered oxygen, I refused it.

This article explains why some of us may not benefit from oxygen therapy. Although, I was given small dose of oxygen, it had a detrimental effect on my health. For some of us, even a small dose of oxygen will produce too high levels of nitric oxide (NO), resulting in even higher peroxynitrite - harmful.


See excerpt from an article below:

"We knew it was bad but we did not know why," Su said. The good news is they may also have a solution.

Researchers found that within five days, mice placed in small oxygen chambers that mimic oxygen levels given in intensive care have dramatically elevated levels of peroxynitrite in their lungs. Free radicals, such as peroxynitrite, result from oxygen use and are safe at low levels. While it's a given that oxygen therapy produces free radicals, the significant increase in peroxynitrite was not known.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101005104335.htm