User:Anonxmous/Kartagener Syndrome

Kartagener syndrome is a category of PCD (primary ciliary dyskinesia). PCD is a rare disease that affects about every 1 in 10,000 to every 30,000 people. This genetic disorder causes the cilia lining in the respiratory tract and fallopian tube to work improperly. Cilia are tiny, hairlike structures that line the airways and move mucus in a wavelike toward the mouth. Mucus can be discarded via coughing or sneezing. However, those affected by PCD cannot move mucus throughout the throat causing a buildup of mucus which can lead to breathing problems and infections.

Kartagener syndrome is labeled as an autosomal recessive genetic disease. Autosomal recessive diseases must be passed on from two parents that are either carriers or are affected by the disease. In about half of Kartagener syndrome cases reported, situs inversus is also present in the body. When situs inversus is present, the organs are on the opposite side of the body from where they are in a person unaffected by Kartagener syndrome.

This disease typically has symptoms that start at birth. Some of the symptoms in babies are those that cough, gag, choke, or go into neonatal respiratory distress right after birth. It is hypothesized to occur due to having improper cilia in the lungs. Cilia clear the amniotic fluid from the womb out of a newborn's lungs.

Cilia are not only in your lungs, but they are also in other bodily systems like the reproductive tract. Because of this, people affected by Kartagener syndrome may face infertility. In males, the sperm have a lack of dynein which causes the sperm to move incorrectly or not at all. Women on the other hand may face ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the egg does not move well and is fertilized somewhere other than the uterus. An example would be in the fallopian tubes.

To be diagnosed with Kartagener syndrome, doctors do a physical exam as well as a medical history on your symptoms. They can do a number of tests like electron microscopy, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scan, nitric oxide tests, and hearing tests. Electron microscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose the condition. However, a genetic test can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Although there is no cure for Kartagener syndrome, there are a number of treatment options available. Treatment focuses on keeping the airways clear. To start, regular washes of the sinuses and ear canals can clear the passage ways. You can also be placed on medications like steroids, mucolytics (to thin the mucus), and antibiotics. Bronchodilators are an option to relax the lung for easier breathing. In severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary.

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Kartagener syndrome is a category of PCD (primary ciliary dyskinesia). PCD is a rare disease that affects about every 1 in 10,000 to every 30,000 people. This genetic disorder causes the cilia lining in the respiratory tract and fallopian tube to work improperly. Cilia are tiny, hairlike structures that line the airways and move mucus in a wavelike toward the mouth. Mucus can be discarded via coughing or sneezing. However, those affected by PCD cannot move mucus throughout the throat causing a buildup of mucus which can lead to breathing problems and infections.

Kartagener syndrome is labeled as an autosomal recessive genetic disease. Autosomal recessive diseases must be passed on from two parents that are either carriers or are affected by the disease. In about half of Kartagener syndrome cases reported, situs inversus is also present in the body. When situs inversus is present, the organs are on the opposite side of the body from where they are in a person unaffected by Kartagener syndrome.

This disease typically has symptoms that start at birth. Some of the symptoms in babies are those that cough, gag, choke, or go into neonatal respiratory distress right after birth. It is hypothesized to occur due to having improper cilia in the lungs. Cilia clear the amniotic fluid from the womb out of a newborn's lungs.

Cilia are not only in your lungs, but they are also in other bodily systems like the reproductive tract. Because of this, people affected by Kartagener syndrome may face infertility. In males, the sperm have a lack of dynein which causes the sperm to move incorrectly or not at all. Women on the other had may face ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the egg does not move well and is fertilized somewhere other than the uterus. An example would be in the fallopian tubes.

To be diagnosed with Kartagener syndrome, doctors do a physical exam as well as a medical history on your symptoms. They can do a number of tests like electron microscopy, X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scan, nitric oxide tests, and hearing tests. Electron microscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose the condition. However, a genetic test can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Although there is no cure for Kartagener syndrome, there are a number of treatment options available. Treatment focuses on keeping the airways clear. To start, regular washes of the sinuses and ear canals can clear the passage ways. You can also be placed on medications like steroids, mucolytics (to thin the mucus), and antibiotics. Bronchodilators are an option to relax the lung for easier breathing. In severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary.