Wind musicians warned over contracting lung infections

Research published in Thorax has warned that musicians playing wind instruments, including trumpets, saxophones and bagpipes, should wash instruments thoroughly and regularly to avoid damaging their lungs.

Doctors are urging musicians to be extra hygienic after cases have emerged of wind musicians developing adverse reaction to mould and fungi growing inside their instruments.

The report urges players who get breathless or develop a cough to consider whether their symptoms might be caused by their music practice.

Dr Jenny King, a member of the Wythenshawe team who treated such cases, said: “If you can diagnose these problems early and remove the trigger then they can be treated and the prognosis is really good.

"These organisms are around in the air, but they're not usually at a high enough level to cause problems. You do sometimes see this type of lung problem in people who work on farms and are exposed to lots of mouldy hay."

Andrew Bova from the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, advised: "Certainly, when it comes to cleaning a woodwind instrument I would say give it a swab after every time you play.

"The moisture can sit in the nooks and crannies and you don't want that. Moisture can damage the wood so we swab to protect the instrument as much as anything."