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What is clubbing, and why does it occur?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 41-year-old male, and I have noticed that my fingernails are curving downwards over the past three years. I had the habit of smoking for about 20 years and did quit it a few years back. I also have Ulcerative Colitis, and also it seems that I have a Schamroth window. Is it something I should be concerned about? I have also attached the pictures. I am currently taking tablet Mesalamine 400 mg.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam is a General Practitioner and Family Physician with broad clinical experience. He specializes in Pulmonology and Internal Medicine, delivering expert care for respiratory and internal conditions. With a patient-centered approach, he emphasizes accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention, providing comprehensive, personalized care to improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients across all ages.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I can understand your concern. The pictures provided (attachment removed to protect patient's identity), seem to be clubbing due to Ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammatory bowel disease); however, close pictures are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

In clubbing, nail beds become soft and may be loosely attached to the nails. The tips of fingers may get enlarged with the nails curving downwards. In the Schamroth window test, two fingers are held back against each other. Between the nail beds and the nails of the two fingers, a diamond-shaped window usually appears in the usual fingers, whereas in the case of clubbing, the diamond-shaped window or space is missing.

Clubbing is not a disease, and it needs no medical treatment. It is the sign of an underlying illness like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) namely, ulcerative colitis.

Controlling the progression of ulcerative colitis is needed.

Take care and let me know if I can assist you further.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At May 1, 2021
Reviewed At July 11, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam is a General Practitioner and Family Physician with broad clinical experience. He specializes in Pulmonology and Internal Medicine, delivering expert care for respiratory and internal conditions. With a patient-centered approach, he emphasizes accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention, providing comprehensive, personalized care to improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients across all ages.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam is a General Practitioner and Family Physician with broad clinical experience. He specializes in Pulmonology and Internal Medicine, delivering expert care for respiratory and internal conditions. With a patient-centered approach, he emphasizes accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention, providing comprehensive, personalized care to improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients across all ages.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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