Does anybody here play the flute in order to improve lung capacity due to cystic fibrosis? (or to any other breathing diseases for that matter). I started taking flute lessons a couple months ago after my pulmonologist suggested it. He said nothing could be done to the damage that has already taken place but I might be able to improve my lung capacity and have less bouts of breathing infections.

Just wondering....

Well, I have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) as the result of severe asthma. I have played flute since the age of 8 (that makes it forty years!). My pulmonologists over the years have always been hugely supportive of me playing flute, as they felt is was an excellent way to improve/maintain lung functioning.

I highly encourage you to play the flute, and your should consider getting a teacher who is completely aware of your situation so that he/she can help you build your breathing skills.

May I ask how old you are and how extensive your breathing issues are at this point?

Be patient and persevere. Best of luck to you.

Okay, I just checked your profile and I see that you are an established adult. You obviously know your capacities and CF better than anyone else, so I still highly encourage your to play the flute.

<Added>

Correction: ..so I still highly encourage YOU to play the flute.

I just turned 26

Thanks for your encouraging words!

Actually I am playing flute in order to avoid nasty diseases like cystic fibrosis. I played the flute when I was a teenager to early 20's then I stopped and switched to other instrument when I could not hold smoking down.

I quit smoking about 4 years ago and when I am stressed out, I lash out by playing my flute. It has a much better effect than smoking. Health-wise and money-wise. Can you believe that I have a flute-budget of about US$18k (uninvested) just by saving the cost of cigarette and that I can now run 5 miles in 30 minutes regularly?

So goodluck to you and I hope that you won't only find better health but also tons of enjoyment in flute playing.

Is cystic fibrosis a diesease where blood clots? Where u have never ending blood? HHmmm just curious

Schoolgirl, CF is an inherited disease, the main symptom of which is a build up of fluid in the respiratory tract leading to difficulty breathing . Another side effect of CF is excess salt in sweat and an old test for CF was for the doctor to lick the baby to see if it tasted salty. Nowdays the sweat is collected and analysed a little more scientifically and the sweat test is still one of the best diagnostic tests for CF. Hope this helps.

I believe there is also a digestive component to CF and sometimes special enzymes (pills) need to be taken everytime the person eats.

Most people with CF have to have extensive daily "therapy" involving taking medications and breathing treatments along with going through a physical pounding on the chest and back (while in various positions)to help bring up the extra "phlegm" (secretions). This used to be accomplished by someone actually pounding on the person, turning them side to side and upside down (almost), but I know now that there is a cool vibrating vest that can be used to accomplish nearly the same effect.