A burning sensation while breathing may indicate which condition?

A burning sensation while breathing is most commonly associated with pulmonary oxygen toxicity. This condition occurs when a diver breathes in oxygen at high partial pressures for an extended period. The excess oxygen can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species, which can damage lung tissues and result in symptoms such as a burning sensation in the lungs and air passages.

Pulmonary oxygen toxicity typically manifests after prolonged exposure to high concentrations of oxygen, especially when divers are at depth and breathing gas mixes that include higher levels of oxygen. Divers must be aware of the exposure limits to prevent tissue damage and maintain their lung health during dives.

While other conditions listed can also cause symptoms related to diving, they typically present differently and would not primarily manifest as a burning sensation while breathing.