HomeAnswersCardiologynail clubbingWhy is there clubbing in a chronic smoker?

Is clubbing in chronic smoker something serious?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. K. Shobana

Published At March 6, 2019
Reviewed AtJune 15, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 27 year old female with a weight of 130 lbs. Have a history of smoking slightly less than one pack a day for 10 years. Quit a month ago. I am concerned about finger clubbing. I have noticed a new curvature in my nail over the last few months that was not present before. It is mostly in my index fingers and slightly in middle fingers. According to the Schamroth's test, I have a very small window. I am really concerned. Could this be early signs?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

This is mild clubbing and it is normal in young females. It is due to estrogen hormone in females. Please keep yourself miles apart from tobacco and alcohol. To be on the safe side, have a chest X-ray done and send me here to look for any pulmonary cause, as you have 10 years of smoking history. Usually, smokers develop clubbing when they have cyanosis, that is more concentration of deoxygenated blood in vessels but your fingers do not seem to be cyanosed. Cyanosis means the bluish appearance of nails, tongue and lips, etc. Your fingers and nails appear pink means no cyanosis. Again I emphasize to avoid smoking.

Investigations to be done

Do chest X-ray.

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

Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq
Dr. Muhammad Zohaib Siddiq

Cardiology

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