Author: Duduk Player
Date: 2019-12-20 00:42
Dear Caroline,
I have been diagnosed with COPD after using C-PAP for sleep apnea for six months. A second opinion was that I did not have COPD, but did have lower lung dysfunction. My inspiratory volume is twice what my expiratory volume is. I agree with JRJINSA that you might look for another culprit. What is the air quality where you live? Is there a family history of lung disease? I wouldn't give up the oboe that you love until you are sure that is the culprit. My research also has lead me to believe that double reed instrumentalists have lower rates of lung disease, and that playing a double reed instrument mimicks the breathing exercises recommended for COPD lung diseases, i.e. pursed lip breathing.
I would like to get off C-PAP for sleep apnea, since it does cause air trapping. (The science is in its infancy.) One of the recommended natural treatments is learning to play the Didgeridoo, an aboriginal double-reed instrument. Not crazy about the sound. So I purchased a duduk, which is an ancient Armenian double-reed instrument made of Apricot wood that has a lovely deep mellow sound.
The other posts are also helpful, in that it is possible that certain techniques in playing may exacerbate inflammation, the major culprit. So use of softer reeds may be helpful.
I am neither a doctor or musician, but am looking for natural treatments that do not end up exacerbating one condition or the other, in my case sleep apnea and lower lung dysfunction.
But look further for a culprit, and for how you can continue to play your oboe in a manner that would not increase inflammation, the culprit in COPD.
Best, Suzanne
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