[Primary ciliary dyskinesia; a questionnaire study of the clinical aspects]

With the aid of a questionnaire form we have gathered information about the clinical picture of patients suffering from primary ciliary dyskinesia. The study group numbered 34 persons, whose diagnosis was confirmed by electron microscopy. Chronic cough and common cold symptoms are present from shortly after birth. Twenty-three respondents reported respiratory tract problems in the neonatal period. The dysfunctional cilia result in chronic respiratory tract infections (chronic bronchitis; bronchiectasis; pneumonia; chronic sinusitis, rhinitis or otitis media). These lead to the following complaints: frequent blowing of the nose (in 32 pat.; 94%), chronic productive cough (in 28 pat.; 82%), chronic common cold (in 26 pat.; 77%), hearing problems (in 24 pat.; 71%), shortness of breath (in 23 pat.; 68%), frequent headache (in 13 pat.; 38%) and sore throat (in 9 pat.; 27%). In order to prevent the invalidating consequences of this disorder appropriate steps should be taken as soon as possible. These should include physiotherapy and adequate antibiotic therapy.