Oxygen therapy in the absence of hypoxemia harmful

Oxygen therapy in the absence of hypoxemia harmful

Generally, supplemental oxygen therapy is useful in the presence of hypoxemia as noted by SaO2 < 95 percent. When supplemental oxygen therapy is given in the absence of hypoxemia, theoretically it can cause hyperoxia-induced vasoconstriction, which can lead to reduced coronary blood flow and increased peripheral vascular resistance.