Final answer:
Restrictive lung diseases like respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis lead to increased diffusion distance by reducing alveolar compliance, affecting gas exchange and reducing oxygen-carrying capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disease that results in increased diffusion distance is typically a form of restrictive lung disease, which can exemplify changes in lung tissue, such as respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary fibrosis. These diseases are characterized by decreased compliance of the alveoli, leading to stiffer lungs and more positive intrapleural pressure that can collapse the airways upon exhalation, trapping air in the lungs and hindering efficient gas exchange. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood can also be affected, and various measurements like spirometry can be used to diagnose these diseases and assess lung function.