TubeNet

Allergies are a so huge a topic, that they probably have several internet forums of their own.

I am a bit more experienced on this topic, than I really would like to be.

However I fortunately have avoided problems directly related to my musical instruments.

Some cannot stand the nickel component of nickel silver. Lacquer or gloves would be relevant remedies.

Some suffer problems in the lip/mouthpiece area.

These problems may not necessarily be of an allergic nature.

Bare brass mouthpieces may be plain toxic, as some makers use blanks holding a few % of lead for a better behaviour on the lathe. My favourite remedy is a heavy silver coating. The stellar sample is the custom series from Yamaha, which are gold plated on top of such a heavy silver coating.

It is no secret, that I am a huge fan of Denis Wick mouthpieces for many lower brasses. But the DW gold plating used to be thinly applied on top of a nickel coating. I think I am on my 4th DW 4AY during 30 years, so my last sample was chosen to be silver-plated. I use it for the instrument behind my screen name. An instrument which I after all don’t play that much any more.

Another lip irritant is beard. Mine is coloured like copper and hard as copper. During periods, where I play all over the day, I may have to shave my upper lip up to 3 times a day. If you stay away from perfumed after-shaves, this problem is purely about mechanical irritation.

Klaus Smedegaard Bjerre

ATLtuba wrote:Thanks for the advice....but I meant like pollen allergies and stuff like that. It's really messing with with my sinuses and is closing up my throat.

This really is a matter for specialist doctors to handle!

However, I have been there also. I would put my attention on dairy products and nuts.

Klaus Smedegaard Bjerre

My chiropractor gave me a terrific remedey for sinus headaches that might help with the congestion and headache associated with allergies . I take a "Ice Bag " and fill it with hot water . As hot as I can stand it . I lay down and put the bag on my forehead and cover my eyes and nose as much as possible . For my allergy realted sinus headaches the relief is immediate and ohh so sweet . It may also serve to open your
sinuses and help ease the congestion you are expeienceing .

I suffer with allergies all through spring and the end of fall when ragweed is rampant . So I am no stranger to your blight .

Being from West Texas where dust and grass are the only allergies to worry about.....the pollen here in GA is kicking my behind thus far. The spray called Nasalcrom works well for opening up my sinuses fairly quickly, but really does little long-term good. A family member today recommended to me that whatever allergy medication you take (claritin, for example, which is available over the counter), to take one every day, year round. This has really helped my aunt out....to the point where she literally didn't have any allergy problems this year. Hope things get better!

This will sound really strange, crazy even, but it is true

I had horrible allergies for a very long time. It kept me from going outside much as a child. My allergy tests scared my doctors enough to give me benedryll and watch me for breathing problems. During treatment, I'd be waiting around becuause my injection sites would swell up like baseballs. In addition to injections came the seldane, claritin, allegra, flonase, nasalchrom, prednisones, inhalers, Benedryll, etc, etc..

Some drugs did work, to a point, but the most significant and drastic reduction in my allergy symptoms came on accident when trying a new diet.

I cut out sugars, starches and other forms of refined carbohydrate from my diet almost completely for a while, drank plenty of water and started taking fish oil with a very good multivitimin every day. I don't take any regular medication for allergies now.

I don't know if this would work for you, but it probably never hurts to take a good multivitimin, water and fish oil. Of course, consult your Doctor.

ATLtuba wrote:Is anybody else having a problem with their allergies? If so, do you have any tips on how to handle it.

Yeah... Deal with it! I began having problems with allergies since my first spring in New Jersey, when I played with the 19th Army Band at Fort Dix. I also have chronic bronchitis. Take the medications your doctor gives you and don't do anything you're not supposed to do. And do everything else. Everything.