Clubbing is not a disease condition it is a symptom of many diseases condition. Clubbing is mainly seen in Lung and heart diseases due to lack of oxygen in the blood.
It mainly occurs around the nails and toes. In this condition the finger tips are enlarged and the nails become extremely curved from front to back.
Clubbing definition
Here is the definition of clubbing by some of the well known publishers for better understanding.
Clubbing definition by A.G. ghom
Definition By Ghom — Clubbing is bulbous enlargement of soft part of the terminal phalanges of the nail.
Clubbing definition by Oxford medicine
• Definition By Oxford Medicine -: Clubbing is defined as a bulbous enlargement of the connective tissue in the distal phalanges of the fingers and toes. Clubbing can be physiologic or pathologic and is an important clinical sign.
Causes of clubbing
Pulmonary causes
- Bronchogenic carcinoma
- Lung abscess
- Bronchiectasis
Cardiac causes
- Infective endocarditis
- Cyanotic congenital heart disease.
Alimentary causes
- ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
- biliary cirrhosis.
Clinical Manifestations of clubbing
Thumb and index finger affected first. Clubbing is usually symmetric,gradual,painless process, sometimes dull aching in the fingertips is felt.