The common cold, a ubiquitous ailment, often leads us to seek various remedies, with sauna use being a popular choice for many. The warmth and steam of a sauna are believed by some to alleviate cold symptoms, but what does science say about this practice?
Hot Air and the Common Cold: Investigating the Claims
In 2010, the Medical Journal of Australia published a study that rigorously tested the widespread belief that saunas could help cure colds. This study, a randomised controlled trial, specifically examined the effects of inhaling hot steam in a sauna on common cold symptoms. The study included 157 participants, all suffering from a cold. The findings revealed that those who inhaled hot air in a sauna showed no significant difference in symptom severity compared to those who inhaled room-temperature air in a similar environment.
A subsequent 2017 analysis, which scrutinized six different trials, reinforced these findings. This comprehensive review concluded that exposure to heated, humid air in saunas neither harmed nor benefited individuals with a common cold. In 2020, a piece in the medical journal The Lancet referenced this analysis, emphasizing that popular notions such as steam loosening mucus, opening nasal passages, and reducing mucosal inflammation remain unproven scientifically. Additionally, the article pointed out that there is no evidence suggesting heat can inhibit the replication of cold viruses.
Temporary Relief vs. Long-Term Effects
Despite the lack of significant impact on cold symptoms, several participants in the Australian study reported a temporary sense of relief during their sauna experience. This included a pleasant sensation of warmth in the face and some reduction in headache symptoms. However, these moments of relief were fleeting and did not address the underlying viral cause of the cold. These sensations in a sauna are similar to the comfort experienced during a warm shower; they provide temporary ease but do not alter the course or duration of the illness.
Risks Associated with Sauna Use During a Cold
The idea of “sweating out a cold” in a sauna, although a long-held belief, lacks scientific backing. In fact, extended exposure to high temperatures in saunas, leading to sweating, can cause dehydration. This dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of a cold. The Mayo Clinic advises that staying hydrated is crucial when combating a cold. Additionally, using a sauna, especially a shared one, while having a cold poses risks of infection to others and can potentially worsen one’s own condition due to the weakened immune system.
Saunas for Cold Prevention: A Different Story
While saunas may not be effective in treating an existing cold, they might play a role in prevention. A 2017 study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology observed 1,935 men who regularly used saunas. The study found a correlation between frequent sauna use and a reduced risk of acute and chronic respiratory conditions. This finding echoes a 1990 study in the Annals of Medicine, which reported fewer common cold episodes in a group that regularly used saunas over six months compared to a control group.
In conclusion, while saunas offer a temporary escape and possible momentary relief from common cold symptoms, they are not a cure. The best approach when battling a cold might involve more traditional methods like rest, hydration, and possibly a warm blanket and tea. For worsening cold symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended. Regular sauna use, however, may hold potential benefits in preventing respiratory ailments, including the common cold, offering an intriguing area for further research and consideration in personal wellness routines.
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