Deadly mould spores in bagpipes could put lives at risk say docs after 61-year-old player dies following lung allergy
Scientists found the wind instrument can harbour fungi that can cause fatal lung diseases
PLAYING the bagpipes could put your life at risk after breathing in mould spores lurking inside, say scientists.
They found the wind instrument can harbour fungi that can cause fatal lung diseases.
One example is farmer's lung, which is caused by breathing mould that grows on hay, straw and grain.
Another is bird fancier's lung, which is caused by breathing in particles from feathers or bird droppings.
Inhaling certain chemicals can be another cause.
Bagpipe, trombone and saxophone players can be affected too, the study in the BMJ's Thorax.
The problem was discovered when a 61-year-old bagpipe player died of the lung allergy hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
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He was referred to a lung clinic after seven years of a dry cough and breathlessness.
His condition was so bad he could not walk more than 20 metres without serious problems.
But he improved after a three-month trip to Australia, leaving behind the bagpipes he played daily.
Scientists took samples from inside the bagpipes and found a variety of potentially lethal fungi. Tragically, it was too late to save the bagpiper.
Dr Jenny King, of University Hospital of South Manchester, said: “It’s the first case identifying fungal exposure from a bagpipe player as a potential trigger for hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
“There have been reports in saxophone and trombone players.”
She advised thorough rinsing out of wind instruments after use.