Why is it important to wean off oxygen therapy when possible?

Weaning off oxygen therapy when possible is important primarily to minimize the risk of oxygen toxicity, which can occur when a patient receives high levels of oxygen for an extended period. Oxygen toxicity can lead to various harmful effects, including damage to lung tissue, oxidative stress, and other systemic complications. Reducing reliance on oxygen helps to ensure that patients are not exposed to unnecessarily high levels for longer than necessary, thereby promoting better overall lung health.

While strengthening the respiratory system is an important aspect of recovery, dependence on supplemental oxygen can inhibit this natural process. Discharge planning is also a relevant consideration, but it is secondary to the immediate physiological risks associated with high oxygen levels. An increase in dependency on medications does not align with the goals of managing oxygen therapy and is not a reason for weaning off.