 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2003-12-05 06:43
It's me again!
I had a question about tonsil problems... I have a problem with slightly enlarged tonsils and "crypts", which is pretty annoying. Sometimes my teacher says I don't open my throat enough to get a good tone, but I think it's because of my tonsils.( And sometimes after sight singing, my throat hurts, which I think is another problem caused by my tonsils.)
I am wondering if anyone has had problems like this.
Also, when I talked to someone that had played trumpet, she said she couldn't play after she got her tonsils removed. Is that a problem, or just something to get used to? I am considering getting mine removed.
Thanks again,
Contragirl
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Author: Dawne
Date: 2003-12-05 07:56
I would consult with an Ears, Nose, and Throat doc if I had these questions.
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2003-12-05 14:20
"she said she couldn't play after she got her tonsils removed"
Did she just mean, for a couple of weeks after? That wouldn't surprise me at all. Or she had to stop playing for ever? That seems improbable.
I had my tonsils removed when I was seven. My throat was pretty sore for a week or two afterwards. I played the horn in my teens, now play the clarinet.
I guess, if I still had my tonsils, I might have become a world-famous soloist. More likely, it has made absolutely no difference at all.
Any tonsil-less professionals out there?
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-12-05 14:41
Jeez, I thought the majority (or at least a large percentage) of adults, in the US at least, have had their tonsils removed ---- mine disappeared when I was a kid and as far as I can tell that had no effect on my stunning career as a world-famous clarinettist, revered by all in every corner of the globe....
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Author: sdr
Date: 2003-12-05 17:14
There are several accepted indications for tonsillectomy. I am certain that clarinet tone production is NOT one of them.
Tonsils are part of the immune system that surrounds the nose and throat access to the body ("Waldeyer's ring"). In a sense they serve to help filter infectious agents that enter us through nose and mouth. Tonsils tend to diminish in size throughout childhood and adolescence. Unfortunately the design engineering of the tonsils is not all that great and they are often overwhelmed so they become a source of chronic infection (picture a fishtank filter that never got changed). In this case they become enlarged and inflamed. If they are causing recurring acute infection/sore throats/abscess, or if they are so large that they cause obstructive symptoms ("hot potatoe voice", snoring that rattles the windows, chronic mouth breathing, obstructive sleep disturbance), then they are best removed.
Cryptic tonsillitis refers to the specific situation in which the tiny pits (crypts) that cover the surface of the tonsils become filled with impacted debris, causing inflamation, swelling, and infection. It is apparent to the naked eye as spots of cheesy yellowish or white material exuding from the surface of the tonsil. It can often be treated by aiming a waterpik at the offending area and "powerwashing" it to flush out the debris. This may become a daily routine. If it doesn't work to reduce pain and swelling, tonsillectomy is appropriate.
I cannot think of any reason why tonsillectomy would impair one's ability to play the clarinet (except of course during the first couple of weeks post-op, when you will have one great grandaddy of a sore throat).
-steve rauch
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Steven D. Rauch, MD
Dept of Otolaryngology
Harvard Medical School
Mass. Eye & Ear Infirmary
Boston
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2003-12-05 19:35
I've done a lot of research on tonsils, because I have had this problem for almost 4 years now. The problem with the doctor is that I don't have time to get to a ENT because of school. When I go to the school's Doctors, they tell me that I'm fine when I know I am not. They said that gargling peroxide mixed with water would fix it, but it didn't... it was just a nasty tasting remedy that did nothing. I am hoping I can get to a doctor by winter break, because this problem isnt going to go away by itself.
I am just wondering if a tonsillectomy could help open my throat up for clarinet playing.
Thanks all!
Contragirl
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Author: ksclarinetgirl
Date: 2003-12-06 03:29
Contragirl,
If it makes you feel better, I was recently told by an over-observant med student that I have large tonsils. However, as far as I know, they've never affected my tone (I play clarinet and bari sax, as well as brass right now for class). Maybe if I had my tonsils removed I'd be the next Larry Combs or something, but I'm thinking that's not likely They've never been infected or anything like that, they're just big. So I'll keep on doing what I'm doing, but I'll always wonder...
;)
Stephanie :o)
"Vita Brevis, Ars Longa"
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Author: BobD
Date: 2003-12-06 12:11
Thanks to sdr for the straight scoop....and for the "Tales from the Crypts".
I'm sorry, but I can't stop laughing thinking about the waterpik ritual.
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