Effects of Playing a Musical Wind Instrument in Asthmatic Teenagers

This study examines whether teenage asthmatic wind instrumentalists exhibit fewer bronchoconstrictive symptoms, panic-fear responses, changes of mood, and fatigue symptoms than non-wind instrument players. Eight teenage asthmatic wind instrument players and 10 asthmatic non-wind instrument players kept a diary of asthma symptoms. Panic-fear responses and mood changes were significantly higher in the non-wind players. A general health profile suggested that the wind instrumentalists present a significantly better "asthma health" picture, perceiving themselves better able to cope with the disease. Playing a musical wind instrument has the potential of being a long-term therapeutic agent for asthmatics.