Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD): Symptoms
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)
Signs and Symptoms of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) mainly affects the sinuses, ears, and lungs. One sign that you might have PCD is if you have chronic (ongoing) infections in one or more of these areas. Common signs, symptoms, and complications linked to PCD include the following:
Sinuses: Chronic nasal congestion Runny nose with mucus and pus discharge Chronic sinus infections Ears: Chronic middle ear infections Hearing loss Lungs: Respiratory distress (breathing problems) in newborns Chronic cough Recurrent pneumonia Collapse of part or all of a lungPCD also can cause fertility problems in men and women. “Fertility” refers to the ability to have children. In men, PCD can affect cilia-like structures that help sperm cells move. Because the sperm cells don’t move well, men who have the disease usually are unable to father children.
Fertility problems also occur in some women who have PCD. These problems likely… Read more about Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD): Symptoms