| I have seasonal allergies that have intensified over the years. I have tried several prescriptions and just do not like the dry mouth and drowsiness that go along with most of them. Once you are congested and continue to play, you are pushing the liquid back into the ears. Once you are at that point, it takes much longer to rid yourself of the annoyance. Since I know when to expect my allergies, I have gotten pretty good at keeping most of the congestion at bay homeopathically. I don't know if you are familiar with a regimen of cleansing the nasal passages with saline, but this really does a great job. I use a traditional NETI Pot and pharmaceutical salt (contains no caking agents or other chemicals), but you can buy Saline Sinus Cleanse kits at local drug stores now. Once you have gotten congested, I highly recommend investing in a bottle of "OLBAS" oil made in Switzerland. It is a mixture of six or seven essential oils and contains no petroleum. It is MUCH more powerful than Vicks and lasts much longer. It is also a fantastic rub for sore muscles or muscle baths. You can find it on line or in health food stores.
P.S. Playing with anything stuffed in your ears is no way to practice a trumpet. You are supposed to be listening to your sound so you can create the voice you want. |