Should you notice that you or someone you know has clubbed nails, it may be to your benefit to make an immediate appointment with a healthcare professional, as this could be a symptom of a serious, potentially life-threatening issue. The clubbing of fingers and fingernails can be caused by a lung disorder, lung cancer, or an infection in the heart or lungs, according to Mount Sinai.
If you are unsure of what is means to have clubbed nails, you need to be on the lookout for softened nail beds, or nails that “may seem to ‘float’ instead of being firmly attached,” per Mount Sinai. Or, most notably, “the last part of the finger may appear large or bulging. It may also be warm and red.” Knowing what to look for can be useful in receiving a quick diagnosis, as clubbed fingers can occur fairly quickly and should be assessed and treated right away.
