Thus diffusion
capacity is a measurement of the respiratory systems
ability to transfer gases. Oxygen uptake may be limited
by diffusion in circumstances of low ambient oxygen type
of blood cells with type of hemoglobin or pulmonary
blood flow. Carbon dioxide is not limited by diffusion
under most circumstances.
The "diffusing capacity" or "diffusion capacity" is part of PFT or pulmonary Function Tests performed to see the efficiency of Respiratory system.
Thus blood quality and quantity in the human blood vessels, the heart function and the lung function all effect the diffusion of oxygen and carbon monoxide gases.
Nitrogen and inert gases are unaffected.
usually asthma and heart failure do not effect the diffusion capacity where as fibrosis, emphysema and blood clots in the lung effect and lower diffusion capacity.
