Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic condition that affects the function of cilia – tiny hair-like structures on the surface of cells in many parts of the body, including the lungs. People with PCD are born with genetic mutations that cause defects in the cilia causing them to move improperly.
Because of this, children with PCD experience frequent respiratory infections that result in lifelong, progressive lung, sinus and ear disease. That’s why it’s important to diagnose children at an early age to prevent permanent lung damage.
The Children’s Pulmonary Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach includes the only multi-specialty clinic dedicated to caring for PCD patients in Southern California and is one of only four in the Western United States. Only a limited number of Centers have extensive experience in the management of PCD.
Recently, the PCD Clinic expanded its capabilities to not only manage care for young patients with PCD, but also diagnose them. With the arrival of a new nitric oxide (Nno) analyzer children suspected of having PCD can simply perform a breath assessment to rule out PCD or be diagnosed with the disease.
Learn more about this new device and the PCD Clinic in this recent news story from Long Beach Local News.