Flute playing & asthma

[Crazy]

As some of you may or may not know, I am fairly
new to the flute. I''ve been playing since Nov. but I have wanted to play for
over 20 years. One week ago I was diagnosed with asthma. It a mild case but it
makes playing a little difficult. Does anybody else have this problem or know of
someone with asthma that plays a wind instrument? Any suggestions on how to
continue to play besides taking many breaks? I refuse to let this stop me from
following my dream.

[the_pie_princess]

hiya, im asthmatic and i've been playin the
flute for about 7yrs...i've got 2 say though i dont usually find playin the
flute makes my asthma bad, although if im a already bad playin the flute can
make it worse...the only time i've had a real problem with asthma and my flute
playin is wen i got a chest infection 2days b4 my grade five. talk about timing!
but i passed it (wen i did it 2days later than planned) i guess takin ur blue
inhaler before u play mite help, but definitly dnt let it put u off playin! [:)]

[fluteluversmom]

Hi~ My daughter was also diagnosed just this
past summer but she has not had any problems with her flute playing as a result
of the asthma. Her teacher also has asthma and she told me that flute playing
actually improved her breathing. My daughter uses a breath builder...I was
wondering if that might help build your lung capacity..it might be worth asking
your Dr. about ? My daughter uses her inhaler ahead of time if she knows she is
going to be doing something that will result in a asthma attack, like running
the mile in phy-ed at school. Kim

[Crazy]

Thank you for the replies. They are the answers
I was hoping for. I guess I just need to work with the doctor since this is
still new and get my medicine regulated and then maybe it won't hurt to play.
Meanwhile, I just take lots of breaks.