Hi - I`m thinking of starting the saxophone and I was wondering how my impaired lungs may affect it. I have a mild-strong asthma depending on the season, etc. so basically I was wanting to know from other asthmatic saxophonists what it was like first starting out, whether you found it more difficult or if you just had to practice more to increase your lung capacity.

thanks all

Hi Rose,
I have mild asthma and play tenor and soprano. I started playing before I had asthma so I remember how it was to play with normal lungs. It is a little tough. For me, it seems to aggravate my asthma, but I still play anyway. I say go for it, but keep an eye on your condition and make sure it doesn`t get too bad. If you have not purchased a sax I recommend rentng first to make sure your lungs can take it.

i have asthma and play sax and clarinet, mine isnt that bad but if you take somrthing like flixotide everyday it helps asthma so it is easier to play wind instruments. also the longer you play/more you practise the bigger your lung capacity gets so you can play longer notes etc.

I have asthma, play alto sax, and am a physician (pediatrician). I would think that if asthma is well controlled, playing a wind instrument would be no problem. I also think that very few people have asthma severe enough for it not to be well controlled. I see many people whose asthma is poorly controlled for several reasons: Poor understanding of the condition by patients (or providers), inadequate medical care, poor compliance, and other reasons. So, perhaps your question should be "is my asthma sufficiently controlled to allow me to play a wind instrument without a problem." If the answer is "no" then you need to work with a good physician who understands your needs (and the current management of asthma). If you have more questions, I`d be happy to try and answer them.
-Jim

I have moderate asthma and I play in several bands(Tenor). My usual gig is in a 12 piece Elvis Tribute that I play about 60 songs per night(most of `em 2 minute miracles). I`d say go for it. If anything I think it might improve your condition just by getting you to use your lungs more. Just have your medication at hand in case you have an asthma attack. Best of luck to ya!