Skip to Main Content

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Center

UCSF's Pediatric Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Center specializes in caring for children born with this rare lung disorder. We offer screening and diagnosis for children of any age as well as comprehensive treatment plans aimed at slowing the disease's progression and supporting patients' normal growth and development. We work closely with families to help them integrate even the most complex therapeutic regimens into daily life.

Our program is certified for primary ciliary dyskinesia care both nationally, by the PCD Foundation, and at the state level, by California Children's Services.

What is PCD?

PCD is a rare genetic condition that affects hair cells known as cilia in the lungs and sinuses. Usually, cilia beat together to move naturally produced mucus along the airways. In people with PCD, the cilia can't move normally, so the airways become clogged with mucus and bacteria, leading to lung infections and lung damage, recurrent ear infections, and sinus infections. People with PCD typically have a chronic cough and nasal congestion starting in infancy. Some people have organs on the opposite side of the body – a condition known as situs inversus or heterotaxy. PCD affects people of all races and ethnicities.

Why choose us?

  • Our comprehensive care integrates services from a dedicated team that includes pulmonologists, otolaryngologists, genetic specialists, pediatric dietitians, social workers, audiologists and respiratory therapists.
  • We offer exhaled nitric oxide testing for children and adults.
  • UCSF is nationally known as a multicenter research site for advanced pulmonary studies.
  • We're part of the PCD Foundation Clinical and Research Centers Network (PCDF-CRCN), which is expanding access to high-quality care for patients with the disease.
  • Through collaboration with the PCDF-CRCN, we offer patients access to clinical trials evaluating promising new PCD therapies.
  • Our program is accredited by the PCD Foundation and certified by California Children's Services.

Our locations (2)

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • One of the nation's best for pulmonology & lung surgery

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    Related clinics (1)

    neurofibromatosis-type-1-nf1-clinic-320x320-2x 7

    Pulmonology Clinic

    Pulmonology Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Greenbrae / San Mateo / Walnut Creek / Los Gat...

    Support services

    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

    social-services-2x

    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

    activity-rooms-2x

    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

    art-therapy-program-2x

    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

    music-program-2x

    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

    school-program-2x

    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

    school-re-entry-program-2x

    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

    individual-playtime-and-tutoring-2x

    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

    interpreters-2x

    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

    family-support-program-2x

    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

    patient-relations-2x

    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

    spiritual-care-2x

    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

    international-services-2x

    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Fetal surgery firsts

    The first open fetal surgery in the world was performed at UCSF in the early 1980s.

    Share