Nail Clubbing In Cystic Fibrosis

Nail Clubbing

 Clubbing of the fingers or toes refers to certain physical changes to your fingernails or toenails that result from an underlying medical condition.Nail clubbing could also be a warning sign of a serious condition.

This article will explain the causes, treatment, and prevention of nail clubbing and its relevance to Cystic Fibrosis

What Cause Nail To Club?

Several nail clubbing causes, including infectious, inflammatory, and vascular diseases. Nail widening characterising clubbing happens when the tissue under your nail plate becomes thicker. Nail clubbing often results in lung issues, such as:

• Lung cancer 
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Bronchiectasis
• Pulmonary Fibrosis

Symptoms

These are the common signs of clubbing.

• Finger or toenails are curved downward. 
• The feeling is soft when pressed, and 
• The tips are swelling.

How is nail clubbing being treated

To  treat clubbing, your doctor will need to address the underlying cause of your symptoms. Depending on the diagnosis, the treatment may involve management specialists, and your doctor may recommend a lung transplant to treat serious lung disease in rare cases.

Prevention

The only way to prevent nail clubbing is by taking steps to prevent and manage the underlying issues that cause it, such as:

• Reduce the risk of lung cancer by avoiding tobacco smoke.
• Getting Vaccinated reduces the chance of developing bronchiectasis.
• Wearing protective clothing on the construction site prevents the development of asbestosis.

Nail Clubbing In Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is a disorder that damages the lungs, digestive tract and other organs. It affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. It is an inherited disease caused by a defective gene that can pass from generation to generation.

The poor function of the lungs causes clubbing in people with Cystic Fibrosis. When the lungs are not working properly, the body might experience trouble with oxygen. The areas farthest from the trunk, fingernails, and toenails may get deprived of oxygen resulting in changes in the nails and bed nails. Clubbed nails left untreated may result in discomfort and cause complications.

Having realised how much nail clubbing and cystic fibrosis affect the wellbeing and confidence of those within our community, The Nail Bar has partnered with Emmah Money, your local CF advocate, to raise $1 from every appointment to the South Australian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 

Please continue to support our CF campaign, and start making a difference to the lives of CF patients simply by attending an appointment at any of Nail Bar salons in June.

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To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis, visit the South Australian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or check their website: cfsa.org.au

Share your experience in the comment section below. For more informational blog posts covering nail health and well-being, visit our Tips & Advice at The Nail Bar Beauty & Co.