What can be a consequence of prolonged high flow oxygen therapy?

Choosing oxygen therapy for prolonged periods, especially at high flow rates, can lead to oxygen toxicity. This occurs because excessive oxygen can generate free radicals and reactive oxygen species, which may damage lung tissues and lead to complications such as inflammation, decreased surfactant production, and potentially even acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Oxygen toxicity is particularly a concern in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or those requiring mechanical ventilation, as the lungs can be sensitive to elevated levels of oxygen that are beyond what is ordinarily present in the atmosphere. Therefore, while oxygen is crucial for cellular metabolism and maintaining adequate oxygen saturation, its overuse, especially at high concentrations, can result in harmful effects rather than beneficial outcomes.

In contrast, the other choices such as increased lung capacity, improved blood circulation, and increased energy do not directly relate to the adverse effects of long-term high-flow oxygen therapy, which is primarily associated with the risk of oxygen toxicity and other associated respiratory complications.