'Bagpipe Lung' News and Condition Analysis: Fatal Case Reported for the Disease, Musicians Warned
Doctors discover case of musician's death may be caused by fungi settling inside his wind instruments
A recent report from Thorax, an international peer-reviewed journal concerning respiratory medicine, reveals that using a contaminated wind instrument may result to a fatal lung disease.
The case was discovered after a 61-year-old musician got diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis. He arrived at a clinic in Manchester, England, complaining about breathlessness and his unending struggle with an already seven-year-long dry cough.
From that point, he has been continuously remedied with immunosuppressive therapy. However, his case became worse. As a result, he had difficulties walking without gasping, even with just a distance of 25 yards.
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In 2014, the patient was transported to a nearby infirmary where he eventually died with an extensive lung damage.
Scientists who looked into this case took samples from his bagpipes' reed protector, neck part, and its sack. The Daily Mail accounts that the researchers were able to discover an army of varied fungi, comprising of Exophiala dermatitidis, Fusarium oxysporum, Trichosporon mucoides , Paecilomyces variotti, Penicillium species and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.
The Triggering Factor: Molds inside Instruments
Molds and fungi living inside a polluted bagpipe can cause a lot of harm to wind instrumentalists.
In Daily Mail's article, experts say that blowing through a bagpipe creates warm moist which sets an ideal breeding ground for a host of yeasts. Because of this, players inhale mildews into their lungs. At first, this will appear to be a normal throat allergy, however, it can slowly grow into a severe disease.
There are already existing cases concerning respiratory problems which also involves fungi, pathogens and molds.
One is the "farmer's lung" which threatens the respiratory health of anyone who inhale molds from a stack of hay and grain.
Another one is the "bird fancier's lung" caused by taking in contaminated particles from bird dung and feathers.
Experts' Advise to Musicians: Clean Your Instruments
Doctors urge bagpipe performers to constantly clean their instruments, especially every after use.
By doing so, the instrument will less likely attract harmful pathogens and yeasts from building up inside the pipes' body.
Musicians are also reminded that those who have signs of throat and lung allergies should immediately consult a physician to put a speedy stop to a worsening ailment.
According to BBC, there have been similar bagpipe cases found in trombone and saxophone players. Patients on these cases reported their sickness early from conception, from which they have managed to recover completely.
