Living with Familial nasal acilia
A rare genetic condition in which the airways lack cilia (tiny hair-like sweepers), leading to lifelong breathing and infection problems.
Understanding Familial nasal acilia
It shows up from birth with trouble breathing and pneumonia in newborns. Lifelong problems include repeated infections of the upper and lower airways, a chronic wet cough, and chronic sinus, ear, and nose problems.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Abnormal cilia in the airways
- Chronic runny or stuffy nose (rhinitis)
- Permanently widened airways (bronchiectasis)
- Repeated colds and upper airway infections
- Trouble breathing
- Chronic sinusitis
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in genes cause it. GARD doesn't name a gene or describe how it is inherited.
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Familial nasal acilia.
Explore research for Familial nasal acilia
Explore actively recruiting Familial nasal acilia studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Familial nasal acilia with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Familial nasal acilia studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Familial nasal acilia
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Familial nasal acilia experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.