Is Sauna Good For Asthma?
With over 27 million Americans affected, asthma is a widespread condition. Among the remedies discussed, can sauna sessions offer relief for asthma sufferers? Let’s explore.
What is Asthma?
Asthma, as defined by the American Lung Association, is a chronic lung condition marked by airway inflammation. This makes airways sensitive to triggers like dust or smoke, causing breathing difficulties, swelling, excess mucus, and tightening.
There are seven types of asthma:
- Allergic asthma
- Aspirin-induced asthma
- Cough-variant asthma
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Nighttime asthma
- Steroid-resistant asthma
- Occupational asthma
Asthma is incurable, meaning once you have it, you’ll always have it. However, by managing triggers and using appropriate treatments, individuals can achieve a stable, healthy life.
Although there’s no known cure for asthma, several methods can help manage its symptoms. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, one common way is to use inhaled corticosteroids such as fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, beclomethasone, and ciclesonide, which are safe, well-tolerated, and effective. Antileukotrienes like montelukast sodium, zafirlukast, and zileuton are also used to manage asthma.
Additionally, alongside medications like inhalers, breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, pursed lip breathing, the Buteyko method, and yoga breathing improve lung function, reduce oxygen dependency, and manage asthma symptoms effectively.
If you’re concerned about long-term medication use or find exercise challenging due to respiratory issues, a sauna session might help you manage asthma symptoms.
Is Sauna Good For Asthma?
Research shows that sauna bathing can help people with asthma. It decreases lung congestion and improves lung function, including vital capacity and tidal volume. Many asthma patients report better breathing after sauna sessions. Some studies found that sauna therapy can be beneficial as part of a rehabilitation program for patients with obstructive pulmonary disease, leading to improved lung function.
Infrared sauna or traditional sauna for asthma
An infrared sauna can benefit asthma by alleviating symptoms and making breathing easier. Traditional saunas produce hot, humid air that can trigger asthma attacks, while infrared saunas are mild and gentle.
How to get the most out of your sauna?
Stay Hydrated
It is important to drink water after a sauna session to help your body rehydrate and replenish the fluids lost through sweating. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or fatigue.
Shower
Showering before entering a sauna is essential for cleansing the skin, removing sweat and impurities, and regulating body temperature. It promotes hygiene and enhances the overall comfort and benefits of the sauna session.
Wear proper clothing
For the sauna, it’s best to wear clothing made from pure or high-cotton content that is loose-fitting and lightweight. Ideal choices include an oversized t-shirt, a cotton wrap, or baggy yoga pants. These options allow your skin to breathe and prevent overheating, ensuring a comfortable sauna experience.
Avoid Alcohol
In Finland, where sauna bathing is prevalent, studies from 1990-2002 show that deaths in saunas are rare, with less than 2 per 100,000 inhabitants annually. However, alcohol is a significant risk factor, present in 50% of all cases. To enhance safety, it’s crucial to avoid alcohol and ensure bathers are not left alone.
What is the best sauna for asthma?
Struggling with asthma? Discover the best sauna for asthma sufferers at Heavenly Heat.
Most saunas use toxic adhesives and emit harmful EMFs. At Heavenly Heat, we provide a safe, toxin-free environment designed with your health in mind.
Imagine a sauna that enhances your respiratory health. With no wood glue, plywood, or stains, our saunas are hypoallergenic and low-EMF. Choose from infrared, traditional, combination, and outdoor options.
