Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of SaunasSaunas and Lung HealthOther Possible BenefitsRisksPrecautions and Safety
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Saunas
Saunas and Lung Health
Other Possible Benefits
Risks
Precautions and Safety
There is some research supporting certain health benefits of saunas, including improved lung function. However, the evidence is not sufficient to support the use of saunas as a treatment for specific conditions such as asthma andchronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This article explains the general effects of saunas, how they may impact lung health, and how to stay safe while using one.
Sauna bathing is known as whole-bodythermotherapyor heat therapy. It is used in different forms in different parts of the world.
What Is Thermotherapy?Thermotherapy, or “heat therapy,” uses heat to treat symptoms.
What Is Thermotherapy?
Thermotherapy, or “heat therapy,” uses heat to treat symptoms.
Sauna vs. Steam Room: Comparing Benefits
Throughout time, saunas have been used forhygiene, health, social, and spiritual purposes. There are a couple of different types of saunas.
Modern-Day Sauna
The modern-day sauna follows the traditional Finnish-style sauna. These saunas have dry air with humidity ranging from 10% to 20%.
There are increased periods of humidity, where the temperature ranges between 176 and a maximum of 212 degrees. Other styles include the Turkish-style Hammam and Russian Banya.
Infrared Sauna
Theinfrared saunais a dry heat sauna. It has a temperature range between 113 and 140 degrees.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Steam Room?
A 2018 review of several studies, published inMayo Clinic Proceedings, suggests that sauna usage may improve lung function. The review found saunas may improve breathing, forced expiratory volume (how much air you can let out during a forced breath), and vital capacity (the maximum air that can be exhaled after maximal air has been inhaled).
In the review, one study of 12 male participants with obstructive pulmonary disease concluded that sauna use created a temporary improvement in lung function. Another study found that sauna exposure created breathing improvements in patients withasthmaorchronic bronchitis. Other studies showed that frequent sauna use was associated with a reduced risk ofpneumonia.
Studies to date examining the use of saunas in lung disease have very low numbers of patients studied, and therefore the data is considered inconclusive.
Acute Respiratory Symptoms
Though not conclusive, some studies have suggested that saunas can help relieve symptoms ofallergic rhinitis(hay fever) and mild upper respiratory tract infections.
In one study, people who had been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received education about their condition but otherwise lived as they normally would. Another received 30 minutes of sauna treatment three days a week for six weeks.
Both groups were tested at the beginning and again at three weeks and six weeks. The treatment group was found to have much greater improvements in peak nasal inspiratory flow rates (a measurement of nasal airflow during maximum inhalation) than the education group.
Studies have also looked at the potential for sauna use to reduce the spread ofCOVID-19.
Heat is one of the oldest and most commonly used methods for destroying disease-causing organisms. Although heat has a long history as a treatment, further studies need to be conducted to determine whether it works to deactivate the virus that causes COVID-19, and if so, at what specific temperatures and times.In addition, there is as yet no direct evidence that sauna use can decrease severity of disease in COVID-19 infection, or the infectivity of the COVID-19 virus specifically.
COPD
Some studies have found that saunas may help lung capacity and airway obstruction in people withCOPD.
To fairly compare the effects of the heat therapy, another group of participants only received conventional therapy.
Four weeks later, the heat treatment group showed much larger changes in vital capacity and forced expiratory volume than the other group. However, no significant changes were seen in the distance walked at six minutes or symptoms reported.
Although more research needs to be conducted, this study showed that repeated heat therapy for people with COPD might improve their airway obstruction.
Asthma
There is a lack of recent research, but older studies suggest that sauna use is safe for individuals who haveasthma.
In addition, a 2017 study of middle-aged White men suggests that regular sauna bathing may reduce acute and chronic respiratory conditions including COPD, asthma, and pneumonia in that population.
Using a sauna two or three times a week was associated with a lower risk of respiratory disease than using a sauna once a week or less. Using a sauna four or more times a week was associated with an even lower risk.
However, the limitations of the study design mean that there is not enough evidence to conclude that sauna use has a benefit in preventing respiratory disease.In addition, this study was based on self-reported history of sauna use, and therefore further research is needed.
RecapThere is limited evidence that saunas are therapeutic for lung conditions. However, several smaller-scale studies have suggested that saunas may benefit people with COPD, asthma, pneumonia, allergies, and even COVID-19. Further research is needed.
Recap
There is limited evidence that saunas are therapeutic for lung conditions. However, several smaller-scale studies have suggested that saunas may benefit people with COPD, asthma, pneumonia, allergies, and even COVID-19. Further research is needed.
Other Possible Health Benefits
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
There are several other reasons related to general wellness that people use a sauna, including:
Although these are popular reasons for sauna use, some need more medical research to fully support them.
As far as more specific medical benefits, some studies have found that sauna use has heart-health benefits. For example, a study conducted on middle-age men concluded that frequent use of a sauna was associated with a high reduction of fatal cardiovascular outcomes.
5 Health Benefits of a Sauna After Your Workout
Overall, saunas are safe for most people. But if you have certain health conditions, you should avoid using saunas.
For example, individuals who havekidney disease, are pregnant, had a recent heart attack, haveunstable angina(chest pain), or have severeaortic stenosis(narrowing of the heart’s major artery) should avoid the sauna.
Concerns about sauna use include:
Does Sauna Use Kill Sperm?Frequent sauna use may affect spermatogenesis, which is the origin and development of sperm cells. Therefore, people with testicles who are actively pursuing parenthood may want to refrain from regular sauna use.
Does Sauna Use Kill Sperm?
Frequent sauna use may affect spermatogenesis, which is the origin and development of sperm cells. Therefore, people with testicles who are actively pursuing parenthood may want to refrain from regular sauna use.
If your doctor says you can use the sauna, keep these precautions and safety measures in mind.
Do Sauna Suits Work?
Summary
Saunas are often used to reduce stress, relax, and detoxify the body. Some evidence suggests that they may offer some other health benefits as well.
Limited research suggests that saunas may provide support for people with acute and chronic lung conditions. However, more studies are necessary to confirm the findings.
Even though saunas provide therapeutic benefits, they also carry certain risks like dehydration and changes in blood pressure. If you have any health conditions, especially heart disease or chronic respiratory disease, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before using a sauna.
A Word From Verywell
It is important to take all of the necessary precautions to stay safe when you use a sauna. Although it has overall health benefits, don’t use a sauna as an alternative to any standard medical treatment.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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