Is Sauna Good For a Sore Throat?
Are you battling a sore throat and curious about sauna’s effects? Whether it worsens or relieves your symptoms might surprise you. Let’s dive into whether sauna could be a soothing remedy for your discomfort.
What is a Sore Throat?
The Mayo Clinic explains that a sore throat isn’t just a single condition but rather a symptom resulting from various causes, primarily infections.
Among the many causes of a sore throat, there are several primary ones, including:
- Viral infections: The common cold and flu are the most frequent culprits.
- Bacterial infections: Strep throat, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, is less common but requires antibiotics.
- Allergies: Reactions to pet dander, molds, dust, and pollen can lead to throat irritation.
- Dryness: Indoor air or mouth breathing due to nasal congestion can cause a sore, scratchy throat.
- Irritants: Tobacco smoke, pollution, and chemicals can lead to chronic sore throat.
- Muscle strain: Yelling or talking for extended periods can strain throat muscles.
- GERD: Acid reflux can cause heartburn and a sensation of a lump in the throat.
- HIV infection: Early stages may present with sore throat and flu-like symptoms.
- Tumors: Cancerous growths in the throat, tongue, or voice box can cause persistent soreness.
These issues can severely impact the quality of life and make it difficult to perform even basic tasks such as speaking, swallowing, or eating.
Fortunately, there are several methods to manage sore throat symptoms. One common way is to ask a pharmacist about pain relief options, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to ease the discomfort.
If you’re worried about the negative effects of long-term medication use or find remedies a bit too challenging due to a sore throat, a sauna session might help you manage the pesky symptoms.
Is Sauna Good For a Sore Throat?
While a sauna isn’t a cure-all for a sore throat, it can help prevent one. Common colds and respiratory infections are the main causes of sore throats. Research shows that regular sauna use can reduce the incidence of common colds, with a study finding significantly fewer colds among sauna users over six months.
Sauna air, despite being described as “dry,” actually hydrates respiratory tract mucus due to its specific temperature and humidity. This can help relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions.
The heat from a sauna soothes sore throat pain. It also increases circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the throat, which helps it heal faster.
However, saunas can be dehydrating, which might worsen a sore throat. Therefore, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking water.
