Musicians who play wind instruments need to clean them regularly to prevent the growth of molds and fungi that can cause "bagpipe lung", a rare but potentially fatal condition.
Doctors blame the death of a British bagpipe player on his bagpipe whose moist and dark interior provided a good breeding ground for fungus. The report of the fatal case, which was published in the journal Thorax on Aug. 22, appears to be the first documented case of death caused by bagpipe.
The 61-year-old man who never smoked and whose house did not have molds or signs of water damage suffered from dry cough and worsening breathlessness.
The man was earlier diagnosed of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), a chronic inflammatory lung disease that can be set off when the immune system responds to an inhaled protein from the environment. The condition is often linked to occupational exposures such as when people working with birds inhale particles from feathers or droppings.
The man's condition worsened and his walking became limited. He also had a hard time breathing. During a three-month trip to Australia in 2011, however, the man's symptoms improved and he was able to walk longer distances without stopping. His breathing and condition started to deteriorate again though when he returned home to the UK.
The man's condition appeared to be associated with his hobby. He played bagpipes daily but he was not able to take the instrument when he traveled to Australia.
Samples collected from several areas inside the bagpipe he used revealed the presence of different types of fungi. Despite receiving treatment, the man's condition worsened and he eventually died. The autopsy revealed he suffered from significant lung damage.
Although there are other reported cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in people who play trombones and saxophones, this is the first time a case was linked with bagpipes.
The researchers said any type of wind instrument may possibly get contaminated and pose health risk to players. Cleaning the instrument immediately after use and getting them to drip dry may reduce the risks.
"Wind instruments of any type could be contaminated with yeasts and moulds that act as a potential trigger for HP and highlights the need for careful history taking in identifying potential triggers," study author Jenny King of University Hospital South Manchester and colleagues wrote in their report.
"Wind instrument players need to be aware of the importance of regularly cleaning their instruments and of potential risks."
