 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: golfnclarinet
Date: 2009-08-28 23:07
I'm suffering from reflux esophagitis and was told that playing clarinet could make it worse.
Any help?
Thanks.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2009-08-28 23:36
I have it, too, but my physician never said anything about clarinet playing. I have had it for years, with no change for the worse since resuming playing a few years ago. In fact, my last endoscopy showed the doctor that there had been no sig9nicifant change in a number of years. I do take a proton pump blocker (pantoprazole). It seems to do the trick for me.
Jeff
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2009-08-29 01:14
I have a mild case and am also on pantoprazole, which works well. Before I went on it, my voice was quite scratchy, but it cleared up quickly once I went on the medication.
Even before I went on the medication, it didn't make any difference in my clarinet playing. However, if you're getting erosion, you should get a second opinion from a doctor who treats wind players.
Ken Shaw
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Author: stevesklar
Date: 2009-08-29 01:20
I have this too - from a genetic issue. I have to be careful what I eat. My dad has it and has had experimental "things" done to attempt to correct it.
I think who ever told you that is basing their suggestion on the use of stomach muscles. In summary, If I over eat (or eat certain highly fiber foods) I get it quite easily. Also if I lift weights that use my stomach muscles I can get it bad in an instant.
I can't ever recall having a problem playing clarinet though.
==========
Stephen Sklar
My YouTube Channel of Clarinet Information
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Author: DaveF
Date: 2009-08-30 06:31
As both a physician and a clarinetist, I can list the things that are known to make reflux worse: alcohol, smoking, caffeine, large meals, eating before bedtime, excessive weight. Anti-inflammatory meds like ibuprofen and aspirin can make it worse also by irritating the lining of the esophagus and stomach. Many times there is abnormal anatomy involving the valve at the juncton of the esophagus and stomach that causes the problem. A complex problem with varying degrees of severity.
Does clarinet playing make it worse? It's possible..........a related story: A friend of mine who had a stint years ago as Phantom (in Phantom of the Opera) told me that he and many of his fellow singers, who night after night utilized maximal diaphragmatic breathing belting out tunes, all were troubled with reflux. They avoided eating before performing, avoided all the above factors, and many also took acid blockers like those mentioned above.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2009-08-30 11:13
Dr. Dave,
Thanks so much for this information. I realize you "have not seen the patient" but your informed opinion leads us on the correct path. I seem to have an only occasional and very mild esophageal irratation but it comes and goes. Logic led me to believe it was reflux in nature and it is something I can live with easily.
Thanks and should things ever become more pronounced, I'll see my physician.
HRL
PS It is really terrific to have a clarinetist/physician among us. I know there are other professionals (lawyers, metallurgists, dentists, professors, engineers, etc.) that offer opinions that are extremely valuable. This BB is a tremendous resource.
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Author: lrooff
Date: 2009-08-30 22:30
I haven't found that it makes mine any worse. I believe it's more important to follow your doctor's instructions about lifestyle -- elevating the head of the bed 8 inches, avoiding irritating foods, taking correct meds on schedule, etc.. It's far more frustrating to deal with the foods we can't eat. My doc told me, 'You can eat anything you like... Here's a list of what you like." Unfortunately, the list didn't include chocolate, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, caffeine, soft drinks, and a lot of other goodies. <sigh>
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Author: Brenda ★2017
Date: 2009-08-31 12:41
In addition to the other fine comments: I finally found Gaviscon to be much better than the other antacids, great for an unexpected attack. It foams up, soothing the esophagus. You can get on with life. My bottle has lasted a long time because of making changes in eating styles, but when the unexpected happens it's a life saver.
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Author: A Brady
Date: 2009-09-01 16:47
I have wondered about possible effects of playing wind instruments, especially clarinet with its highly compressed and focused airstream, on reflux and GERD. I have not noticed any worsening of symptoms since being diagnosed a few years ago, but you will have to judge for yourself. I am vastly improved from a couple of years ago, after going through quite a bit of discomfort.
All acid-blockers, especially the PPI's (Nexium, Aciphex, etc), essentially work to mask the symptoms of reflux, and do not address the actual problem, which is some sort of imbalance in the digestive system causing discomfort and damage to the esophagus in some cases. These medicines (also including OTC antacids) are not completely benign for long-term use, as the acid in your stomach serves many vital functions, and is there for a reason. Please give lifestyle alterations, including diet, raising the head of the bed, not eating 3 hours before bedtime, and natural alternatives, such as organic apple cider vinegar, a try before taking pharmaceuticals on an indefinite basis; I experienced quite severe side effects from the various PPI's I tried for several years, until my new GI Dr put me on OTC meds (which I have not needed for the last year), explaining that a significant number of patients experience dreadful side effects from these meds. Please take the time to read the PI for these medicines, and you will see that none of them are recommended for indefinite use, yet many people take them for many years.
Relief is possible, but please be an educated patient. I speak not as a doctor, but as someone with a great deal of personal experience in this area, good luck.
AB
Post Edited (2009-09-01 19:40)
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Author: golfnclarinet
Date: 2009-09-01 17:26
Thanks so much folks.
Mine is not severe and I'm aware of all recommendations you guys wrote here.
I'm playing golf and tennis regularly(not now because of crazy wild fire in this area) and try to follow DO and NOT DO.
I was told that Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom works very well and just start taking it. I prefer natural stuffs.
As I'm getting older, I have to be more careful on my body and activities.
Be healthy and enjoy!!
Thanks again.
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