Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic condition resulting in bronchiectasis. Exhaled gas nitric oxide (FE(NO)) is reduced in PCD. A model of pulmonary NO exchange dynamics can be used to demonstrate relative contributions of bronchial (J'aw(NO)) and peripheral airway (Calv(NO)) NO to the final FE(NO) concentration. The aim of this study was to compare bronchial and peripheral airway contribution to FE(NO) in patients with PCD, non-PCD bronchiectasis and healthy controls in order to establish the source of present FE(NO) in these conditions and to compare these with severity of disease. NO was measured at 50, 100, and 200 ml/s using an NO analyser (NiOx Sweden). J'aw(NO) and Calv(NO) were calculated according to a model of pulmonary exchange dynamics. PCD patients had reduced levels of J'aw(NO) compared to healthy controls whereas patients with non-PCD bronchiectasis had elevated J'aw(NO) levels. There was no difference in Calv(NO) between the three groups. In the disease groups Calv(NO) correlated negatively with FEV(1). In conclusion patients with PCD had significantly reduced FE(NO) at all expiratory flow rates. This was due to a significantly low bronchial NO. In contrast, peripheral airway NO was increased with more severe disease.