Cystic Fibrosis & the Mystery of Clubbing of the Fingertips and Toes
The appearance of the fingertips changes drastically once clubbing begins. To begin with, there is a softening of the nail bed. Then the area around the cuticle enlarges, and the angle between the cuticle and nail changes. After the cuticle area enlarges, the nail itself becomes convex, much like the curved part of an upside down spoon. The entire end of the fingertips become thicker. Striations then start showing up in the nail, and the entire area around the nail becomes shiny.
Cystic fibrosis is not the only disease that causes clubbing of the fingertips. Clubbing also occurs in people with congenital heart disease. Though clubbing is basically a result of chronic pulmonary or cardiopulmonary disorders, it is also a sign of cancer, usually in some part of the lungs. Though not very common, clubbing has also been associated with certain types of cirrhosis and hyperthyroidism.
Even though clubbing is seen in people with pulmonary disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, it is not associated with COPD - which is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Usually, if a patient that has COPD goes to the doctor because of clubbing, the doctor will start a search for an underlying lung cancer.
As of right now, there is no cure for clubbing. In fact, doctors aren't even quite sure what causes it. The only thing they know for sure is that it usually shows up in people that have lung (pulmonary), heart (cardiac) or heart-lung (cardiopulmonary) disorders, and patients with some types of cancer.
There has not even been research yet as to what causes clubbing, and until they start to research the causes of clubbing, doctors aren't going to know how to treat it.
Published by Kathi Downs
I am the wife and mother of three grown sons; and I have 6 precious grandchildren, 3 boys and 3 girls. Reading and writing has always been a passion of mine. View profile
- Cystic Fibrosis and the Battle Against BacteriaPeople with cystic fibrosis must be constantly vigilant to avoid infection. Even in the home, dangerous bacteria are present. This article describes where bacteria thrive and how to get rid of it.
- Cystic Fibrosis and Goal-SettingShould a person with Cystic Fibrosis aim high? Absolutely! Of course. Should that person continually keep setting higher goals? That all depends on the goals that are being made.
Cystic Fibrosis Steals Time and Breath from MeThis is a written transcript of my speech given at the Cystic Fibrosis Spring Gala. - More Women with Cystic Fibrosis Are Becoming MothersOnce a fatal childhood illness, people with Cystic Fibrosis are now living longer than ever. Many women with this disease are now facing the question on whether or not they want to have children of their own.
- Coping with Home Infusion Therapy for Cystic FibrosisMany cystic fibrosis patients are well-seasoned professionals when it comes to managing the schedule of home IV therapy; for the newly diagnosed or parents who are learning the home IV routine for the first time, it c...
- A Little True Story About My Son with Cystic Fibrosis
- Cystic Fibrosis a Possible Protection Against Other Diseases?
- Oregon Seventeenth State to Require All Newborns Be Tested for Cystic Fibrosis
- Finding Information About Cystic Fibrosis Online
- A Day in the Life of an Adult with Cystic Fibrosis
- Progression, Treatment and Prevention of Bowel Obstruction in Cystic Fibrosis Pati...
- Your Help is Needed to Find a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis
- Clubbing of the fingertips is not only seen in those with Cystic Fibrosis.
- It affects those with congenital heart problems.