Assessment of pulmonary oxygen toxicity: Relevance to professional diving; a review

This review summarizes the pathophysiological effects on the respiratory tract when breathing oxygen with PO2 of 50-300 kPa (hyperoxia). We discuss to what extent the most commonly used lung function parameters change after exposure to hyperoxia and its role in monitoring the onset and development of pulmonary oxygen toxicity in daily practice. Finally, new techniques in respiratory medicine are discussed with regard to their usefulness in monitoring pulmonary oxygen toxicity in divers.