Nail clubbing

ClubbingFingers1

Clubbed thumb 2

Nail clubbing, also known as digital clubbing or simply clubbing, is a deformity of the finger or toe nails associated with a number of diseases, mostly of the heart and lungs. When it occurs together with joint effusions, joint pains, and abnormal skin and bone growth, it is known as hypertrophic osteoarthropathy.

Types

Nail clubbing can be classified into two types:

• Primary clubbing: This type of clubbing runs in families and may occur without any associated medical problems.
• Secondary clubbing: This type of clubbing is associated with various underlying medical conditions, primarily affecting the heart and lungs.

Causes

Clubbing is associated with a range of medical conditions, including:

• Lung cancer
• Lung infections, such as bronchiectasis or lung abscess
• Interstitial lung disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Cardiovascular disease, such as congenital heart disease or endocarditis
• In some cases, clubbing may occur without any identifiable cause (idiopathic).

Symptoms

Symptoms of nail clubbing may include:

1. Enlarged, bulbous fingertips
2. Curved nails that grow more downward than outward
3. An increased angle between the nail and the nail bed
4. Increased nail-to-flesh ratio, making the fingertips appear swollen

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nail clubbing involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. If secondary clubbing is suspected, additional diagnostic tests may be performed to identify the underlying condition causing the clubbing.

Treatment

Treatment for nail clubbing primarily involves addressing the underlying condition. In some cases, treating the associated medical problem may lead to the improvement or reversal of clubbing. However, in other cases, clubbing may persist even after the underlying condition has been treated.

See also

• Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy
• Lung cancer
• Interstitial lung disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Cardiovascular disease

Summary

Nail clubbing, also known as digital clubbing or clubbing, is a deformity of the finger or toe nails associated with a number of diseases, mostly of the heart and lungs. When it occurs together with joint effusions, joint pains, and abnormal skin and bone growth it is known as hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Clubbing is associated with lung cancer, lung infections, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, or cardiovascular disease. Clubbing may also run in families, and occur unassociated with other medical problems.

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