A person who plays a wind instrument may be at risk for a hypersensitivity pneumonitis associated with mold growing inside the instrument. This can result in disability if the musician continues to play the instrument.
Wind instruments include: trombone, saxophone
Risk factors:
(1) no or infrequent internal cleaning and/or disinfection (91% isopropyl alcohol. other)
(2) moist and humid environment
Diagnostic findings:
(1) The patient has respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, etc) consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
(2) Symptoms become worse after frequent playing and become better when the person does not play for a period of time.
(3) Culture of the instrument isolates a mold.
(4) The patient has evidence of allergy to the mold isolated from the instrument.
(5) Exclusion of other causes that can explain the findings.
(6) Clinical improvement with regular cleaning and disinfection of the instrument.
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