Re: [Harp-L] harmonica hypersensitivity pneumonitis?

["Patrick Lines" <plines@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've had asthma for 20 years and pretty much know my triggers and can 
recognize quickly when something is affecting me. I've never really gotten a 
sense that harmonica gunk has caused me any problems. On the other side, 
I've found that slowly drawing in holes 1-4 and blowing out the same holes 
on a low D help to break up congestion. Something about the vibrations of 
those low tones.

----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Rossen" <jimjimdr@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2011 11:34 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] harmonica hypersensitivity pneumonitis?


> Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is lung inflammation (that could lead to
> asthma, bronchitis, and lung tissue damage) related to an allergic
> reaction to foreign materials.  The inciting agent can be infectious
> (bacteria, mold, fungus) and/or chemicals.
>
> The link to a respected medical journal below discusses
> hypersensitivity pneumonitis attributed to saxaphone playing.  The
> probable mechanism is inhalation of fungus that colonizes the
> instrument.  Harmonica is mentioned as a possible serious offender in
> this disorder since playing involves routine inhalation across the
> instrument, though no clear cases of harmonica hypersensitivity
> pneumonitis are described.  The author proposes that the disorder
> could be reduced by regular cleaning that reduces the burden of
> colonizing microbes.
>
> Has anyone noticed cycles of wheezing, coughing or breathlessness
> associated with playing harmonica?
>
> Jim R
>
> http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/138/3/467.long