Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD): Tests
Primary ciliary dyskinesia, or PCD, is a rare disease that affects tiny, hair-like structures that line the airways. These structures are called cilia.
Part of: Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)
Diagnosis of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)
Your doctor or your child’s doctor will diagnose primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) based on signs and symptoms and test results.
If your primary care doctor thinks that you may have PCD or another lung disorder, he or she may refer you to a pulmonologist. This is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating lung diseases and conditions.
Signs and Symptoms
Your doctor will look for signs and symptoms that point to PCD, such as:
Respiratory distress (breathing problems) at birth Chronic sinus, middle ear, and/or lung infections Situs inversus (internal organs in positions opposite of what is normal)For more information, go to “What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia?”
Your doctor also may ask whether you have a family history of PCD. PCD is an inherited disease. “Inherited” means the disease is passed from parents to children through genes. A family history of PCD… Read more about Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD): Tests