The relevance of clubbed fingers to an asbestosis compensation claim

The most common symptoms of asbestosis are shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. As asbestosis is a disease of the lungs, these are the sort of symptoms that might be expected. The link between the lungs and another symptom, clubbing of the fingers, is harder to understand.

Clubbing is the process by which the fingernails become more strongly curved and the fingertips thicken. It seems it is unclear exactly why asbestosis should cause this, even to medical professionals, but its presence as a symptom can be used in a diagnosis.

Hippocrates first noted the condition over two thousand years ago, which is the reason it is sometimes referred to as Hippocratic fingers. More recently, the cardiologist Leo Schamroth demonstrated a simple test for clubbing of the fingers; healthy fingertips held nail to nail show a diamond of air between them, whereas clubbed fingers do not.

It is important to note that clubbing of the fingers is not a symptom of asbestosis alone, but of several conditions, such as long-term cardiac and pulmonary diseases, including some forms of lung cancer. Similarly, it is possible for someone to be suffering from asbestosis without having developed clubbed fingers.

If you have developed any of the symptoms of asbestosis, particularly after having been exposed to asbestos fibres, it is important that you make an appointment to see a doctor.

Making an asbestosis claim for compensation
If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, or another asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma or emphysema, YouClaim may be able to help you. If your exposure to asbestos fibres was the result of an industrial accident or exposure through work in the UK, you may be entitled to make a claim for asbestosis compensation.

YouClaim can handle your no win, no fee claim for asbestosis damages, and will guarantee that you receive all winnings under our 100% compensation promise. We will talk you through asbestos law sensitively, and connect you with one of our team of expert personal injury solicitors who will handle your case, with no costs for you to pay at any point.

You can reach our advisors by phone, on 0800 10 757 95, or onscreen through our e-chat window. If you prefer, an advisor can give you a call at a time convenient to you to request that, simply fill out our call-back form.