Saunas offer a relaxing escape, but staying hydrated is crucial. A recent case report highlights the rare but serious danger of heat stroke linked to sauna use, emphasizing the importance of hydration.
A woman in her 70s, a regular sauna user, was found unconscious in her gym’s sauna after 45 minutes of stretching. She was rushed to the emergency room with a dangerously high body temperature. Medical staff used wet towels, fans, intravenous fluids, and blood products to cool her down. She suffered a seizure, a minor heart attack, and damage to her kidneys and other organs.
Fortunately, her temperature stabilized within two hours, and she regained consciousness. By the third day, her confusion and drowsiness subsided, leading to her discharge after 12 days. A month later, she had almost fully recovered, experiencing only mild fatigue and some liver damage.
While she had type 1 diabetes and hypothyroidism, her active lifestyle and avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption placed her at low risk for heat stroke from hot weather. However, saunas can trigger heat stroke even in low-risk individuals. Her doctors noted that sauna use is a rare but potential cause of classic heat stroke in such patients.
A review of medical literature revealed only nine other reported cases of sauna-related heat stroke. The patient herself attributed the incident to insufficient hydration. “As a regular sauna user, I never suffered any issues, and on reflection, I believe I had not drunk enough water,” she stated.
Rapid cooling within 30 minutes of heat stroke onset is crucial for minimizing organ damage. Therefore, in addition to hydration, the patient urged sauna facilities to monitor their clients regularly. She emphasized the importance of full hydration before entering a sauna and regular staff checks.
She expressed gratitude to the medical staff, acknowledging her fortunate recovery. “Considering what I have been through, I know that I am very lucky and cannot thank the medical staff enough,” she added. This case underscores the need for awareness and precautions to ensure safe and healthy sauna experiences.
