Know your inherited respiratory risk before symptoms appear

Cystic fibrosis & airway clearance

Genes behind cystic fibrosis and CF-like conditions that cause thick mucus buildup in the lungs and airways.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia

Genes needed for the tiny hair-like cilia that sweep mucus out of the lungs. Defects cause chronic infections, bronchiectasis, and sometimes reversed organ placement.

Pulmonary fibrosis & scarring

Genes linked to inherited pulmonary fibrosis, where lung tissue progressively scars. Telomere genes are the most common familial cause.

Surfactant & newborn lung disease

Genes essential for surfactant, the coating that keeps air sacs open. Defects can cause severe breathing problems in newborns or lung disease later in life.

Pulmonary hypertension

Genes that cause dangerously high blood pressure in the lung arteries. BMPR2 is the most commonly inherited cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin & emphysema

Genes that protect lung tissue from breakdown. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is one of the most common inherited causes of early emphysema and COPD.

Lung cysts & deposits

Genes linked to lung cysts or nodules that may increase the risk of collapsed lung (pneumothorax).

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome

Genes behind Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, a rare condition causing lung fibrosis, easy bruising, and light skin/eye color.

Breathing control & nerve signaling

Genes controlling the signals that drive breathing. PHOX2B changes cause congenital central hypoventilation, where automatic breathing fails during sleep.