Name a condition where oxygen therapy is contraindicated due to potential risks.

Oxygen therapy is contraindicated in cases of hypercapnia primarily due to the risks associated with increasing carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Hypercapnia is characterized by an elevated concentration of carbon dioxide, often resulting from hypoventilation or airway obstruction. When a patient with hypercapnia is given supplemental oxygen, it can lead to a further decrease in respiratory drive. This is particularly concerning in patients with chronic respiratory conditions where their respiratory centers are already adapted to higher carbon dioxide levels.

In these cases, providing oxygen can inhibit the natural urge to breathe, potentially leading to worsening hypoventilation and an exacerbation of carbon dioxide retention. This can result in respiratory failure or other serious complications. Managing oxygen therapy in patients with hypercapnia must be done with caution, often requiring careful monitoring and adjustments to avoid severe respiratory complications.