CLUBBED FINGERS Meaning and
Definition
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Clubbed fingers, also known as digital clubbing or Hippocratic fingers, refers to a medical condition that involves the swelling and deformation of the tip of the fingers or toes. This condition is characterized by the rounding and enlargement of the fingertips, causing them to appear bulbous or club-like in shape. When viewed from the side, clubbed fingers create a puffy or curved appearance that resembles the end of a drumstick or a club.
Clubbed fingers are often observed in individuals with certain underlying medical conditions, such as chronic lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cystic fibrosis), heart diseases, liver diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, and certain types of cancer. It is considered as a secondary symptom to these conditions and often occurs over a prolonged period of time. However, it is essential to note that clubbed fingers can also exist in isolation, without any recognizable underlying medical condition.
The exact cause of clubbed fingers remains unclear. However, research suggests that it might be associated with the abnormal circulation and growth of blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow and tissue proliferation in the fingertips. This can result in the characteristic enlargement and deformity of the fingers. In addition to the physical appearance, individuals with clubbed fingers may also experience other symptoms associated with the underlying condition causing the clubbing, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
The diagnosis of clubbed fingers typically involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests or blood work to determine the underlying cause. Treatment aims at managing the underlying condition responsible for clubbing, rather than directly addressing the digit deformity itself.
Common Misspellings for CLUBBED FINGERS
- xlubbed fingers
- vlubbed fingers
- flubbed fingers
- dlubbed fingers
- ckubbed fingers
- cpubbed fingers
- coubbed fingers
- clybbed fingers
- clhbbed fingers
- cljbbed fingers
- clibbed fingers
- cl8bbed fingers
- cl7bbed fingers
- cluvbed fingers
- clunbed fingers
- cluhbed fingers
- clugbed fingers
- clubved fingers
- clubned fingers
- clubhed fingers
Etymology of CLUBBED FINGERS
The term "clubbed fingers" refers to a medical condition called "clubbing", which is characterized by the rounding and enlargement of the fingertips and nails. It is commonly associated with certain underlying health conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, liver disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.
The word "clubbing" itself comes from the Old English word "clyppan" or "clipian", meaning "to embrace or seize". In the context of clubbed fingers, the term likely originated from the visual resemblance of the enlarged fingertips to the rounded shape of a club or drumstick.
It is important to note that the term "clubbing" can also refer to other conditions or activities unrelated to the medical condition of clubbed fingers, such as social clubs or recreational activities.
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