Playing wind instruments linked to higher risk of chest infections – according to new study

Wind instrument musicians may be more at risk of chest infections than the general population - possibly linked to bacteria build-up within their instruments - according to new research presented at the British Thoracic Society (BTS) Winter Meeting today (Thursday 5th December 2019).

It is widely known that bacteria can cause chest infections.  Evidence also shows that both bacteria and fungi can build up in wind instruments. But little is currently known about how this might impact on a musician’s risk of developing a chest infection.

Holly Drover, a physiotherapist at Nottingham University Hospitals, developed this study while at the University of Nottingham to investigate the possible link among 54 members of the University of Nottingham orchestra.

The findings were as follows:

• Within wind instrument players there was an incidence of 62 chest infections per 1,000 people per year; this compares to 49-54 per 1,000 within the general population. This represents a greater chest infection risk of approximately 16%.
• Over half (52%) didn’t clean their instrument after each use.
• 58% had never been taught how to thoroughly clean their instruments.
• Only 39% believed they may be at increased risk of a chest infection.

The study, representative of the adult population, was carried out by questionnaire and 52 complete responses were analysed – probing issues ranging from the number of chest infections experienced per year (as diagnosed by their GP) to the level of instrument hygiene.  The results were scaled to reveal a possible incidence of chest infections per 1,000 wind instrument players – which was compared to existing data on the level of chest infections per 1,000 of the general population.

Holly Drover said:

“There is quite a bit of evidence on the presence of bacteria and fungi within wind instruments, but little on whether this may be linked to a greater level of chest infections among musicians. As a flute player myself, I felt it was important to see if there was any possible relationship.

"Although this was a small sample and we can’t infer a causal relationship - we did find those who played wind instruments had an increased risk of having a chest infection compared with the general population. Interestingly, wind musicians didn’t know they could be at greater risk and this lack of awareness could be behind the relatively low levels of instrument hygiene we found.

"My advice would be to thoroughly clean wind instruments every time – and not just a quick wipe. And in schools where instruments are shared, it is even more important to have strong standardised hygiene practices.”  

Professor Jon Bennett, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Chair of the British Thoracic Society’s Board said:

“We know that bacteria and fungus can occur in a range of locations within indoor environments  – and are linked with different lung problems.  Reducing indoor air pollution of all kinds is a growing public health issue that we really need much greater education and action on.”   

ENDS

For more information prior to the British Thoracic Society Winter Meeting (i.e. before Wednesday 4th December 2019):

Please contact: 

Charlotte Sutton: t: 07958 279240

charlotte.sutton@audiencesocialmarketing.com

Alessandra McKenna t: 07967 976652

alessandra.mckenna@audiencesocialmarketing.com

Ed Gyde t: 0780 9574801              

ed.gyde@audiencesocialmarketing.com

During the British Thoracic Society meeting (from Wednesday 4th to Friday 6th December 2019):

Please contact the BTS news media office on t: 020 7798 4541 / 020 7798 4542 or the mobile numbers above.

Note to Editors:

The British Thoracic Society is the UK’s professional body of respiratory specialists. The Society seeks to improve standards of care for people who have respiratory diseases and to support and develop those who provide that care.  A registered charity, it has about 3,700 members including doctors, nurses, respiratory physiotherapists, scientists and other professionals with a respiratory interest.

The British Thoracic Society Winter Meeting takes place between 4-6 December 2019 at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, London.