Did you know that, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation there are seven major airway clearance techniques (ACTs) for patients with mucociliary clearance disorders? Airway clearance is needed to help clear away mucus from the lungs to help prevent infections and to improve lung function. Children will need an adult to assist with ACTs, and different patients will prefer different methods of airway clearance. The seven major airway clearance techniques are deep coughing, huff coughing, active cycle of breathing (ACBT), autogenic drainage (AD), chest physical therapy [(CPT); is also known as postural drainage and percussion (PDP)], positive expiratory pressure (PEP), and oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP). While exercise has gained popularity in recent years as an ACT, in reality it is the ACBT or active cycle breathing techniques that take place during physical exercise that provide the mucociliary clearance benefits of regular exercise. Regular exercise as a side effect also helps to strength the diaphragm and strength the body’s muscles. Strengthening the muscles helps the body work more efficiently with less oxygen.

The more you know…

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***Please speak to your respiratory therapist or your PCD medical team before commencing any new treatment. DO NOT start using a device, or technique, on this website if you have not discussed this with your PCD team first.***

Did you know that: “The first cases, reported in the early 1900's, and characterized by a triad of symptoms that included chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and situs inversus became known as Kartagener syndrome. Subsequently, patients with Kartagener syndrome, as well as other patients with chronic sinusitis and bronchiectasis, were noted to have “immotile” cilia and defects in the ultrastructural organization of cilia. Initially, the term “immotile cilia syndrome” was used to describe this disorder; however, later studies showed that most cilia were motile, but exhibited a stiff, uncoordinated and/or ineffective beat. The name was changed to “primary ciliary dyskinesia” to more appropriately describe its heterogeneous genetic base and the ciliary dysfunction, as well as to distinguish it from the secondary ciliary defects acquired following multiple causes of epithelial injury.” ~ Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia / Kartagener Syndrome (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3739704/)

The more you know…

Join our Facebook group Turtle Talk Café today, click here.

We have several ways that you can donate to PCD Smiles;

- Visit Smile E. Turtle's Amazon Wishlist

- For more information on how you can donate, please visit our "Donation" page to check out our "Do & Don't policies.

- Or sponsor a PCD Smiles cheer package today!

- To shop for your “Official” turtle care ribbon gear today, visit PCD Style or Smile E. Cove

Thank you for your consideration!

Did you know that, “Patients with PCD require daily breathing treatments and chest physiotherapy, in addition to often needing antibiotics for infection.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCD.  But, with regular doctors’ visits and lung function testing, we can stay on top of the disease and help patients live happy, active lives.” ~ mottchildren.org

The more you know…

Join our Facebook group Turtle Talk Café today, click here.

We have several ways that you can donate to PCD Smiles;

- Visit Smile E. Turtle's Amazon Wishlist

- For more information on how you can donate, please visit our "Donation" page to check out our "Do & Don't policies.

- Or sponsor a PCD Smiles cheer package today!

- To shop for your “Official” turtle care ribbon gear today, visit PCD Style or Smile E. Cove

Thank you for your consideration!

Did you know that “Since it is such a rare disease, there are very few hospitals in the country that have the tools and experience necessary to diagnose and treat PCD.   Led by the largest pediatric pulmonology team in Michigan, we collaborate with pediatric otolaryngologists and pediatric genetics specialists to provide multidisciplinary, coordinated care for children and families living with PCD.

In addition, we work with other PCD centers across the country to advance research and clinical trials that can lead to better care for children with PCD.” mottchildren.org

The more you know…

Join our Facebook group Turtle Talk Café today, click here.

We have several ways that you can donate to PCD Smiles;

- Visit Smile E. Turtle's Amazon Wishlist

- For more information on how you can donate, please visit our "Donation" page to check out our "Do & Don't policies.

- Or sponsor a PCD Smiles cheer package today!

- To shop for your “Official” turtle care ribbon gear today, visit PCD Style or Smile E. Cove

Thank you for your consideration!