 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: guest
Date: 2003-10-18 19:33
Lately every time I play my nose gets really stuffed up and I have to blow it. It is really weird. I have been playing for over 20 years and never had this problem. Anyone know what it is? It has been going on for a year now...
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2003-10-18 21:34
Happens to me on occasion. Not sure of the cause. I have historically had a stuffy nose, hay fever, and allergies. Strangely enough, it has only happened to me in the past year as well. Then again, only in the past couple years have I really put significant effort into serious clarinet playing. It has only happened at home, in the evening, which for me indicates that I'm probably using improper technique somewhere down the line, due to distractions or whatever... or perhaps I need better air circulation in my room.
For me, it comes with the territory of a stuffy nose, including having to take extra good care of my teeth since I sometimes sleep with my mouth open.
Perhaps it has something to do with the weather? Smog? Changes in climate? Is it worse at certain times of the year? Does it happen everywhere?
If you find a solution, please keep us posted.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-10-19 10:51
I see I have fellow sufferers. All same for me. Years ago upon coming up from a Scuba dive my mask was filled with xxxx. My wife, present, thought it was my brains. (Yes, I know what you're thinking!) For a long time I had no sinus problems. But it didn't last. Medical research on sinus problems is at the bottom of the food chain.
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Author: Melissa
Date: 2003-10-19 15:16
Well I also have the same problem and I also have only noticed it in the past year. I went to my family doctor and I have post nasal drip. My guess is that when I play my sinuses cannot drain, hence the fact that I get a stuffy nose. My doctor prescribe me some nasal spray so maybe you should talk to you doctor?
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-10-19 15:31
I get this too and thought I might be allergic to cane. If I am, I don't want to know.
My MD prescribed a nasal spray ("flonase", a corticosteroid), but after reading the potential side effects I decided against it.
Hans
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Author: hans
Date: 2003-10-19 16:34
Melissa,
There is more detail at rxmed.com, but here is what influenced me:
"Corticosteroids may mask some signs of infection and new infections may appear. A decreased resistance to localized infections has been observed during corticosteroid therapy; this may require treatment with appropriate therapy or stopping the administration of fluticasone.
During long-term therapy, HPA axis function and hematological status should be assessed.
The long-term effects of fluticasone in humans are still unknown, in particular, its local effects; the possibility of atrophic rhinitis and/or pharyngeal candidiasis should be kept in mind.
There is an enhanced effect of corticosteroids on patients with hypothyroidism and in those with cirrhosis. ASA should be used cautiously in conjunction with corticosteroids in hypothrombinemia. "
Hans
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Author: guest
Date: 2003-10-19 17:47
i have post nasal drip really badly too. i tried the nasal spray (flonase) and it didn't help at all!! argh
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Author: Melissa
Date: 2003-10-19 18:53
Same with me, although it has helped with allergies (stop siffling and sneezing), but I think the stuff is just desgusting so I don't use it.
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Author: leonardA
Date: 2003-10-19 23:12
I had this problem for a while and then it just went away. I still have a lot of post nasal drip or sinus congestion or nasal allergies or whatever you call it but my nose doesn't clog up when I play anymore. Don't know why it happened or why it stopped, but since it doesn't bother me right now, I'm not going to check on it.
Leonard
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Author: sdr
Date: 2003-10-20 13:54
Post-nasal drip: It is normal for the nose and sinuses to secrete approximately one liter of mucus daily (!). It serves to moisturize the mucous membranes and filter the air you breathe, trapping particulate debris so it is swallowed and eliminated. Normal nasal/sinus mucus is watery in consistency. Post-nasal drip is the what happens when the viscosity of the mucus increases; there is probably no increase in volume and there may well be a decrease in volume of secretions. Causes for the increased viscosity vary, but include chronic mouth breathing, dehydration, mucosal inflammation from infection or allergy, or medications that cause dry mouth (antihypertensives, antihistamines, antidepressants, etc.). The effect of the viscosity increase is that the particulate debris is still trapped but, instead of washing down the throat, it is held against the nose and throat membranes for an extended period. It is caustic and tends to cause a diffuse inflammation, making the secretions even thicker. Symptoms usually consist of a feeling of thick drainage down the throat, a sore throat present on wakening that clears with the first cup of coffee and relapses in the late afternoon, and sometimes a foul smell or chronic bad breath (halitosis). Since the problem is due to drying/increased viscosity of mucus, drying agents such as antihistamines often worsen the problem (unless you really have allergies that need the antihistamine). Topical steroids such as Flonase are only effective if the underlying problem is inflammation of the mucus membranes and if the drug can penetrate the thick layer of overlying mucus (not likely). By far, the most effective treatment is moisturization/humidification -- hot showers, bedside vaporizer, etc. Over-the-counter saline nasal spray used liberally is also effective. If all else fails, there is a fabulous old time remedy called "Alkalol" (NOT alcohol!!) that is a mucus solvent. Diluted 1/3-1/2 strength with water, it can be used as a nasal spray, nasal rinse (you "snort" a teaspoonful), or gargle -- after it marinates for a few minutes the mucus dissolves and you can blow it all out. You can use it "ad lib." I've never tried using to clean my clarinet, but it should be great.
-steve rauch
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Steven D. Rauch, MD
Dept. of Otolaryngology
Harvard Medical School
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary
Boston, MA
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2003-10-20 15:47
Steven -
Thanks so much for a doctor's perspective. I haven't seen Alkalol in my drug store. Is it generally stocked?
I've had good luck when I have a bad cold with Sudafed Non-Drying Decongestant, which seems to promote a flow rather than stuffiness. Any opinion on that?
Hans -
An easy test for whether you have a cane allergy is to try a Legere for a week or two.
Guest and Alex -
If the problem happens only when practicing in a particular place, you might have mold or dust in the air. Does the problem happen in every room?
Do you have a "home" instrument? Perhaps there's some mold inside the mouthpiece, or on the bottom of the reed. Vinegar will get most of it off, and perhaps scrubbing the reed with a bit of toothpaste will help.
Let us know how it comes out.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2003-10-20 17:12
It only happens in my room, which is a bit dusty, so it makes sense (especially when I play late at night with the windows shut so as not to disturb the neighbors). And come to think of it, I probably was a bit dehydrated while playing.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-10-20 17:18
I think that playing should be done in a very clean environment when possible....especially practice. As to sinus, I tend to use Vapo Rub when troubles emerge.
Teeth can become a SOURCE of sinus problems as well. Your dentist may detect decay or troubles when the sinus cavity is prone to trouble due to the fact all these nerve endings are interconnected.
David Dow
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-10-20 20:53
I seem to recall that in India they run yarn thread through the nose for this condition. It's a rather tricky maneuver, however. Why doesn't anyone gargle anymore?
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Author: Todd W.
Date: 2003-10-20 21:17
BobD --
Does it lower their voice a half step?
I hope it's not red thread.
Todd W.
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Author: Brenda
Date: 2003-10-21 02:54
Hey, BobD, we do so gargle! Especially before playing. You just have to use the stuff that's sufficiently horrible in order to really do the job.
Just try the garlic mixed with chili peppers to solve any nose & throat problems. It's great mixed with your spaghetti. Ok, ok, time to move along here.
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Author: guest
Date: 2003-10-28 16:10
thank you so much for all the information you have provided. i have had the post nasal drip for like 7 months too on top of my nose blocking up when I play. do you think i should go see an allergist or an ears nose and throat specialist? I don't have health insurance and have been putting it off...
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Author: guest
Date: 2003-10-28 16:14
I wish mine only occured in one room...it's in my room at home and my office at school. I use new reeds so I don't think it's in the reeds. I have had other sinus related problems so I don't think it's my clarinet. Thanks for the thoughts though.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-10-28 22:23
Ads for gargle liquids used to be as common as those for aspirin and Burma Shave
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2003-10-29 13:38
The over-the-counter mucus solvent Steven mentioned is actually called "Alcalol." I've gotten a bottle and will repoort after my next cold -- a long time away, I hope, but I always get something when the weather changes in the fall.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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