What Could Cause a Problem with Gas Exchange

A variety of processes can interfere with this orderly exchange; for oxygen, these include increased thickness of the alveolar–capillary membrane, loss of surface area available for diffusion of oxygen, a reduction in the alveolar partial pressure of oxygen required for diffusion, and decreased time available for …

What causes poor gas exchange in the lungs?

By far the commonest cause of impaired gas exchange in patients with lung disease is ventilation-perfusion inequality. This is a complicated topic and much can be learned from computer models. Ventilation-perfusion inequality always causes hypoxemia, that is, an abnormally low PO2 in arterial blood.

What conditions can cause hypercapnia?

• Brainstem disease.
• Encephalitis.
• Hypothermia.
• Metabolic disorders, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
• Nervous system disorders like congenital central alveolar hypoventilation.
• Obesity.
• Sedative overdose.
• Sleep apnea.