Clinical overview
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia at a Glance
This site is for educational purposes only. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace care from a licensed medical professional. Always follow guidance from your medical team.
What PCD affects
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia is a genetic condition that affects motile cilia. These tiny moving structures help clear mucus and fluid from the airways, nose, sinuses, ears, and other body systems.
Why symptoms can involve the whole body
- Reduced mucus clearance can contribute to chronic wet cough and repeated respiratory infections.
- Fluid movement problems can contribute to ear infections, middle-ear fluid, sinus symptoms, and congestion.
- Some people with PCD have laterality differences, such as mirrored or mixed organ placement.
How diagnosis and care are usually coordinated
Diagnosis may involve a combination of clinical history, nasal nitric oxide testing when age-appropriate, genetic testing, ciliary motion or structure testing, and specialist review. Care is usually coordinated by pulmonology, ENT, audiology, genetics, respiratory therapy, and primary care.