Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition when your body produces a lot of phlegm after experiencing lung damage
As hot weather sets in, many people might experience swelling in their hands as the body tries to cool down. But if you notice your fingertips around your nails swelling more, turning your fingers into clubbed shapes, this could be a sign of Bronchiectasis.
This condition affects approximately one in 200 adults in the UK. It often lacks a clear cause and is incurable but manageable by tackling your symptoms.
Bronchiectasis occurs when damage to your lungs and airways leads to an overproduction of phlegm. Which can trigger a variety of other problems.
Consequently, it presents some unusual symptoms that might not appear to be related to the lungs.
Rounded fingertips, or clubbing, can serve as an early warning sign of the disease, according to Asthma + Lung UK.
Typically, clubbing is caused by chronic low blood-oxygen levels due to lung diseases like bronchiectasis. Lung conditions like bronchiectasis also place additional strain on the muscles in your bladder, bottom and pelvic floor.
As a result, those with this condition might experience incontinence too, possibly urinating or defecating slightly whenever they exert themselves, such as when coughing or laughing. Other symptoms of bronchiectasis include:
- Regular cough with sputum
- Repeated chest infections
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Chest pain or tightness
Usually, bronchiectasis cannot be cured. Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing the condition from worsening.
This could involve the use of antibiotics to tackle chest infections and flare-ups. If you suffer from numerous flare-ups within a year, you might need to be put on long-term antibiotics.
You may also be referred to a respiratory physiotherapist who can instruct you on how to clear your airway of excess phlegm. It’s also advised to quit smoking to better manage your condition.
In rare instances, surgery may be required to repair lung damage or if the condition has caused one of your lung’s blood vessels to rupture, leading to coughing up blood.
If you are diagnosed with bronchiectasis, Asthma + Lung UK provides support groups, advice on managing your condition and what assistance you should be receiving.
The NHS also recommends regular exercise, a healthy diet and doing your best to avoid catching infections like colds and flus.