What is a common complication associated with excessive use of oxygen therapy?

Oxygen toxicity emerges as a significant concern with prolonged or excessive oxygen therapy. When patients receive higher concentrations of oxygen for extended periods, it can result in toxic effects on the lungs and other body systems. This toxicity arises because excessive oxygen generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cellular damage, inflammation, and pulmonary complications such as atelectasis and decreased lung compliance.

In particular, oxygen toxicity can cause symptoms that range from cough and chest pain to more severe manifestations like pulmonary edema and even respiratory failure in severe cases. Therefore, while oxygen is critical for treating many conditions involving hypoxia, its administration must be carefully monitored and balanced to avoid the adverse effects that arise from its excessive use.

Other options, although clinically relevant concerns within the context of medical treatment, do not directly relate to the complications stemming from the excessive application of oxygen therapy. Hypoxemia generally occurs due to inadequate oxygen supply and would not be a complication of excessive oxygen use. Aspiration pneumonia arises from inhaling foreign materials into the lungs, unrelated to oxygen therapy. Lastly, while COPD exacerbation can occur for various reasons, it is not directly caused by oxygen therapy, though improper oxygen administration in COPD patients can sometimes cause carbon dioxide retention.