Clubbing history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Overview
History and Symptoms
History and Symptoms
Symptoms of the development of clubbing occur in five steps. They are as follows:[1]
- Fluctuation and softening of the nail bed (increased ballotability)
- Loss of the normal <165° angle (“Lovibond angle“) between the nailbed and the fold (cuticula)
- Increased convexity of the nail fold
- Thickening of the whole distal (end part of the) finger (resembling a drumstick)
- Shiny aspect and striation of the nail and skin
Past Medical History
Medical history questions may include:
- Do you have any breathing difficulty?
- Does clubbing affect the fingers, toes, or both?
- Is it becoming more noticeable?
- Is the skin ever bluish-colored?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- When did you first notice this?
References
References
- ↑ Myers KA, Farquhar DR (2001). “The rational clinical examination: does this patient have clubbing?”. JAMA. 286: 341–7. doi:10.1001/jama.286.3.341. PMID 11466101.
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH
