Molds in the bagpipe Briton dies of severe lung disease

61-year-old Briton dies of mold in his bagpipe
Researchers have reported in a trade magazine about a very extraordinary death: a bagpiper died of a lung disease because he had not cleaned his instrument for years. The white horse that had formed in it was the 61-year-old's fate.

Diseases due to mold fungi multiplied
It has long been known that mold causes significant health risks. In particular, the respiratory tract of infants, toddlers, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are susceptible to a burden of breathing air with fungal spores. According to the Cologne do-it-yourself school DIY Academy, diseases caused by mold have increased tenfold over the last 20 years. Especially allergy sufferers are affected.

A bagpipe player from Great Britain died at the age of 61 because he had not cleaned his instrument for years. Mold had accumulated in the bagpipe, the spores of which the man inhaled. (Image: gorosi / fotolia.com)

Increased asthma risk
Health experts mention mucous membrane irritation or headache as possible consequences. But fungal infections in humans also threaten more serious health problems. For example, US scientists at the University of Cincinnati pointed out the danger of mold fungus asthma years ago.

Bagpiper died of lung ailments
British researchers have now reported in a trade magazine about a death, which is due to a burden with mold. A 61-year-old bagpiper died of a lung disease because he had not cleaned his instrument for years and therefore had accumulated in it molds whose spores he inhaled while playing.

Mold found in the instrument
As the scientists in the journal "Thorax" report, the chronic cough and shortness of breath that plagued the British musician were due to mold in his bagpipe.

In the search for the cause of the complaints, the doctors had been able to exclude diseases such as cancer or a connective tissue disorder. On the idea to examine the instrument of the musician, the doctors came only after his return from a three-month trip to Australia.

Doctors speak of a "bagpipe lung"
The man did not carry his bagpipe while in Australia. On his return, he told the doctors that he had felt much better during the trip. Later, several types of fungi were discovered in different parts of the bagpipe during analyzes. The man underwent a treatment, but it came too late: he died in October 2014 from inflammation of the lungs.

According to the information, the autopsy of the corpse finally revealed large cracks in the lungs. According to the study, it has been discovered for the first time that such complaints are due to the inhalation of mushrooms from a bagpipe. The speech was therefore of a "bagpipe lung" ("bagpipe lung"). The report also contains a clear warning to musicians. "Players of wind instruments need to be aware of the importance of regularly cleaning their instruments."

Fight mold with alcohol
Andrew Bova of the National Bagpipe Center in Glasgow, Scotland told BBC that he cleans his instrument after each use with a cotton ball. "This is not even moisture," said the expert.

The blowpipe should, in his opinion, be cleaned every six months with hot water. Maybe high percentage would be better. According to German experts can kill mold spores with alcohol. For this purpose, ethyl alcohol, a 70- to 80-percent alcohol from the pharmacy, can be used. (Ad)