Diagnosing Yellow Nail Syndrome typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation of symptoms. Key diagnostic steps include:
- Physical Examination: Observing nail discoloration and checking for signs of lymphedema and respiratory issues. The characteristic nail changes and the presence of swelling in the limbs are usually enough for a preliminary diagnosis.
- Pulmonary Function Tests: To assess lung health and identify any respiratory complications. These tests measure how well the lungs are working and can help detect conditions like pleural effusion and bronchiectasis.
- Nail Tests: To rule out other conditions such as fungal infections or psoriasis. This may include a biopsy of the nail or skin near the nail to check for fungal elements or other pathogens.
If yellow nails are present along with respiratory symptoms, healthcare providers may suspect YNS. Additional tests might be conducted to exclude other potential causes, such as chronic bronchitis or other pulmonary diseases.
