While most people experience occasional puffiness in warm weather or after exercise, persistent swelling around the nails can sometimes reveal an underlying health problem.
In rare cases, it could even signal a chronic lung disease that quietly develops over years.
When swelling means more than heat
Temporary swelling is harmless, but if your fingertips start to look rounder or thicker near the nails, it may indicate reduced oxygen levels in your blood — a condition known as clubbing.
This symptom can appear when the lungs struggle to deliver enough oxygen to the body, often linked to long-term respiratory issues.
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The lung disease few have heard of
One of the conditions associated with this sign is bronchiectasis. It’s a chronic lung disorder where mucus builds up in the airways, making it harder for the body to clear infections.
Over time, the mucus traps bacteria, leading to inflammation and repeated lung damage.
According to the Danish Lung Association and Asthma + Lung UK, bronchiectasis can develop after repeated chest infections, severe pneumonia, or immune system disorders.
It’s often underdiagnosed because the symptoms resemble asthma or chronic bronchitis.
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Typical signs include:
- Persistent coughing with thick mucus
- Breathlessness and fatigue
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Rounded or swollen fingertips
People with chronic conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, or inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk of developing bronchiectasis.
Living with the condition
Although the disease cannot be cured, early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve quality of life.
Treatments focus on clearing mucus, preventing infections, and maintaining healthy lung function through medication and breathing exercises.
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Experts emphasize that while swollen fingers are rarely dangerous on their own, changes in nail shape or persistent swelling should not be ignored.
Noticing these small physical changes could help detect serious illnesses early — long before they cause lasting damage.
This article is based on information from Newsner
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