Going to a sauna can be incredibly relaxing. Just don't be dehydrated. In a new report this week Doctors warn of possible dangers if this advice is not followed. This is a rare but potentially life-threatening case of heatstroke.
Doctors in the UK gave details about this unusual accident. It involved a woman in her 70s who was found unconscious from heat stroke in a sauna at a gym near her home. Although the woman was hospitalized for almost two weeks, But in the end she recovered. But the cautionary tale emphasizes the importance of hydrating regularly during sauna days.
according to paper, published Tuesday BMJ case reportThis woman was an avid sauna enthusiast who had never had any problems before, but that fateful day She was found unconscious in the sauna of her local gym after a 45-minute stretching session. She was taken to the emergency room with a dangerously high temperature. where she cools down quickly with a wet towel and a fan along with intravenous fluids and blood products
The woman immediately had a seizure when she arrived at the hospital. And the test results found that she had a minor heart attack. and damage to her kidneys and other organs, but two hours after her temperature stabilized She began to regain consciousness. On the third day She was no longer confused or sleepy. And she recovered well enough to be released 12 days after her initial hospital stay, a month after her heat stroke. She made a full recovery. Aside from mild fatigue and liver damage.
The woman had a history of type 1 diabetes and hypothyroidism. But she exercises regularly. and avoid smoking and heavy drinking Therefore, she is not at high risk of heatstroke from the hot weather. her doctor said Although saunas are less common, But saunas are known to trigger heatstroke in people at low risk.
“Sauna use is a rare but potentially important cause of heatstroke in patients with few risk factors for the disease,” the doctors wrote.
How rare is it? Doctors look back on medical literature And nine other reported cases of heat stroke have been linked solely to saunas. In this case, the patient herself believes it was dehydration that sealed her fate.
“As a regular sauna user I have never experienced any problems and upon reflection. I believe I didn't drink enough water,” the woman wrote in a corresponding viewpoint.
The most important aspect of heatstroke treatment is time. Because rapid cooling within 30 minutes is highly effective in reducing organ damage from such symptoms, in addition to reminding people to stay hydrated, She also hopes that businesses that own saunas will be diligent in taking care of their customers in a timely manner.
“My experience highlights the dangers of saunas. and the importance of staying hydrated when entering the sauna. and for officials to check regularly,” she said.
To which she added, “On the other hand, considering what I went through, I know I am very lucky and cannot thank the medical staff enough.”