The relation of the diffusion constant to mountain sickness

Abstract

In connection with the recent physiological expedition to Peru, a series of determinations were made of the gas diffusion constant by the CO method described by Dr. Marie Krogh. 1 A series of preliminary determinations made at sea level agreed in the limits of error (5 per cent.) with those made at Cerro de Pasco, at 14,300 feet. It was found that the severity of the symptoms of mountain sickness, or seroche, exhibited by the eight members of the party were in direct proportion to the value found for their diffusion constants, those having values of over 40 suffering very little, or practically not at all.

A further series on five acclimatized persons, none of whom had ever suffered from seroche, all gave values for the diffusion constant for oxygen (Do₂) above 40.