When is oxygen therapy generally contraindicated?

Oxygen therapy is generally contraindicated in patients with certain types of hypercapnic respiratory failure. This condition occurs when there is an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream, often seen in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe obesity hypoventilation syndrome. In these cases, providing supplemental oxygen may lead to further retention of CO2, potentially causing respiratory acidosis and worsening the patient's condition.

Managing these patients typically requires careful monitoring and the use of controlled oxygen delivery methods, as excessive oxygen can diminish the respiratory drive further, complicating their respiratory management. In contrast, oxygen therapy can be beneficial for patients with asthma or diabetes when used appropriately, and during surgery, oxygen is often used to ensure adequate oxygenation levels in patients.