Symptoms:

• Abnormal enlargement of the base of the fingernails (clubbing)
• Blue color of the lips, skin, or fingernails due to low blood oxygen levels (cyanosis)
• Decreased tolerance for activity
• Dry cough
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath at rest or while active

Signs and tests:

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Dry, crackling breath sounds may be heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. The health care provider may notice nasal flaring.

The following tests may be done:

• Blood tests to check for connective tissue diseases
• Bronchoscopy with biopsy
• Chest x-ray
• CT scan of the chest
• Lung biopsy
• Measurement of the blood oxygen level at rest or during exertion
• Pulmonary function tests