Common PCD issues and medical tests
ENT symptoms, reflux, lung function testing, oxygen and exercise tests, and imaging.
ENT issues (ears and hearing)
• Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is almost universal in children with PCD due to poor mucus clearance.
• Grommets can cause persistent ear discharge in PCD and may be avoided except in special circumstances.
• Regular hearing tests are important; hearing aids may be recommended if hearing loss affects speech/language.
Note: Hearing often improves with age. A UK clinic study found normal hearing increased from ~20% at age 3 to nearly all by early teens.
PCD and the nose/sinuses
• Chronic nasal discharge is common; sinusitis becomes more common as sinuses develop with age.
• Saline sprays and steroid nasal sprays may reduce symptoms; surgery may be considered for recurrent sinusitis.
Reflux (GOR)
• Chronic coughing can increase reflux risk. Reflux may worsen respiratory symptoms and may be treated with medication to reduce stomach acid.
Tests you may hear about
• Spirometry – measures how much and how fast you can breathe out (often done at each clinic visit).
• Bronchodilator testing – may use Ventolin to see if airways respond.
• Plethysmography – measures lung volumes and how much air remains after exhaling.
• Blood oxygen tests – finger/ear probe (oximeter) estimates oxygen levels without a blood sample.
• Exercise tests – 6-minute walk, shuttle test, or CPET for detailed assessment.
Imaging
• Chest X-ray – may confirm dextrocardia and assess infections.
• CT scan – helps quantify bronchiectasis and guide treatment decisions.
• Sinus CT – may be used in older children/adults with chronic rhinosinusitis.
This fact sheet provides general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow guidance from your respiratory/ENT/physiotherapy team.