There’s danger in using the sauna.
Spending time in a sauna can be a relaxing way to unwind or soothe muscles after a workout, but overdoing it can lead to heat stroke, especially if the individual isn’t properly hydrated, doctors warn.
While heat stroke typically occurs on extremely hot days due to overexertion, sauna use is a less common but significant cause, according to Dr. William Jack McIver from Birmingham Heartlands Hospital in the UK. McIver, in a study published on January 7 in BMJ Case Reports, highlighted 10 cases of heat stroke linked to prolonged sauna use, three of which were fatal.
One such case involved a woman in her 70s who lost consciousness after spending 45 minutes doing stretching exercises in a gym sauna. When paramedics arrived, her body temperature exceeded 107°F, and she exhibited low blood pressure and a high heart rate. Tests revealed multiple organ damages, including to her kidneys, liver, and heart. She was treated with cooling measures, IV fluids, and a blood transfusion. Thankfully, the woman regained consciousness within two hours and made a full recovery after spending 12 days in the hospital.
This case underscores the potential dangers of sauna use, particularly for those who are not adequately hydrated. The woman, who had been a regular sauna user, admitted to not drinking enough water beforehand, which she believes contributed to her heat stroke.
Dr. McIver pointed out that heat stroke in older individuals is particularly dangerous, with a mortality rate exceeding 50%. The key to survival is rapid cooling, as prolonged exposure to high body temperatures can cause severe cellular damage.
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