Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a disorder that is characterized by chronic respiratory tract infections, abnormally positioned internal organs, and difficulties having biological children (decreased fertility). The signs and symptoms of this condition are caused by abnormal cilia and flagella. Cilia are microscopic, finger-like projections that stick out from the surface of cells. Cilia help cells move where they are needed; they also help move substances within the body. Flagella, which are similar to cilia, are tail-like structures that propel sperm cells forward.
Variants (also called mutations) in one of over 50 different genes can cause primary ciliary dyskinesia. Many of these genes provide instructions for making proteins that form the inner structure of cilia and produce the force needed for cilia to bend. Coordinated back and forth movement of cilia is necessary for the normal functioning of many organs and tissues. The movement of cilia also supports cell transport and helps establish the left-right axis (the imaginary line that separates the left and right sides of the body) during embryonic development.
It is estimated that as many as 1 in 7,500 people worldwide have primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia is typically inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell must have a variant to cause the disorder. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the altered gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition.
Jayanti Jha practices practicing medicine in Delhi, India. Ms. Jha is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), Uveal Melanoma, Melanoma of the Eye, and Melanoma.
Heart And Vascular Center - Center For Advanced Care - Froedtert Hospital
Scott Cohen is a Cardiologist practicing medicine in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Cohen is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Sengers Syndrome, Pacemaker Implantation, and Heart Transplant. Dr. Cohen is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Internal Medicine, and Adult Congenital Heart Disease. Dr. Cohen is currently accepting new patients.
UVA Health Bronchoscopy Suite
Dana Albon is a Pulmonary Medicine provider practicing medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Albon is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). She is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cystic Fibrosis, Bronchiectasis, Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease, Lung Metastases, and Lung Transplant. Dr. Albon is currently accepting new patients.
Published Date: September 22, 2025
Published By: National Institutes of Health