Playing an instrument

[anonymous]

Hi, I would like to know whether its true that playing a wind instrument such as the flute, clarinet, etc would help improve someone's damaged lungs.
Thanks for the input.

 

[JazzysMom]

Once actual damage is done you cant change that, but playing an instrument that requires strong breath control is of great benefit for anyones lungs. It would help keep the remaining parts healthier & stronger as well as clearer. This is a form of exercise directed towards the lungs moreso than the rest of the body like playing sports etc would be!

 

[IG]

Exactly as melissa said. If you're going to play a wind instrument I would highly suggest a flute. I attribute it to giving me a few more years before needing a transplant. Played it for 6 years give or take. *thinks of it sitting in the closet* hmm. Should start again.

Then again any wind instrument would help, clarinet or oboe I'm not sure would help as much as a flute, since that is in fact played with a reed so as far as I know (and correct me if I'm wrong) it's more like taking a breath and blowing it through the reed (your breath is controled by the reed, so it's not forcefully expelling the air in one shot). The flute is more like taking a deep breath and blowing over the top of a coke bottle, since you're blowing over an open hole you're expelling air a lot faster then you would any other instrument, thus you have to take in air faster, which equals more lung exercise.
I should really take my flute out of the closet. Esp. with my pft's going down a little bit.

 

[Scarlett81]

My mom had me take flute when I was in school. I never knew the coreleation back then, but now i see why. It helped with breathing. Builds the muscles around the lungs.
I also think singing is very good for you. If you have a decent voice, and can maybe take singing lessons, or have your kid join choir or something. That really works your lungs.

 

[princessjdc]

I played the b alto saxophone my sophmore and senior year of highschool and once in a blue moon I get it out and play it. Not sure if it has helped with lung function, but Im sure it probably does

 

[thelizardqueen]

I played the flute for 3 years, and I found that it definitly helped with my breathing and lungs. I'd definitly recommend a wind instrument for anyone who wants to help with their breathing.