Can Sauna Make You Sick? Here's What Health Experts Say

You’ll agree when I say that saunas are no longer just a relaxing retreat. In fact, for a lot of us, regular sauna therapy has become a fitness and wellness necessity in the wake of our lifestyles. 

But did you ever realize that you’re also exposing yourself to some unexpected risks in the sauna? 

At least that is what the internet is abuzz with. So much so that from feeling nauseous and dizzy to getting sick, and more, users claim multiple dangers of sauna use if you get it wrong. 

Now, as a sauna enthusiast with hands-on experience with all the heat therapies out there, I’ve done my fair share of research about sauna and sickness. More so because there are also viral claims that sauna during sickness can help get rid of your symptoms. 

And I’m here to share the truth about what actually happens when things go wrong. 

So, read on to find out can sauna make you sick, and if so, when.

Can sauna make you sick or it’s just a hoax?

Like with any wellness regimen, saunas also come with their own risks. Meaning although you can use the sauna for longevity, better cardio health, detoxification, etc., there are situations when it can cause problems. 

For instance, prolong your session in the sauna and you stand the risk of dehydration and overheating. 

Similarly a lack of hygiene in public saunas can risk infections, which, in turn, can lead to a series of health woes. 

So, if you’re curious whether you might end up feeling sick after sauna, the short answer is yes you can. 

However, it’s all not black and white here, as you can still go about sauna bathing with the necessary precautions. Also, avoid the sauna in some scenarios and you should be just fine. 

How can saunas make you sick?

Now that you know feeling sick after sauna is possible, let me address the bigger question, i.e., how can sauna make you sick.

For starters, there are more ways than not to get sick in the sauna. And this includes everything from dehydration to respiratory problems to heart health risks, and more. 

I am not trying to discourage you from using a sauna here. Instead, I am walking you through risks you should be mindful of to make your sessions more beneficial than harmful.

All in all, here’s why you feel sick after sauna: 

#1. It dehydrates and overheats your body

No sooner you enter the sauna, the intense heat in there causes excessive sweat. And although this is your body’s natural way of cooling itself down, it can lead to dehydration. 
This is especially true if your heat tolerance levels are low and you stay in the sauna for too long. 

What’s worse? 

In some cases, dehydration and overheating can even lead to heatstroke, a serious condition you should avoid at all costs. 

Take the case of Colorado’s Akiko Belich, for instance, who died of acute renal failure due to dehydration in the steam sauna. 

Pro tip: If you get a headache after sauna, chances are your body got overheated. I suggest you take this as a warning sign and take sauna safety measures like keeping yourself hydrated and shortening your session duration. 

#2. It puts stress on your heart

If you are someone with a pre-existing heart condition, sauna use is particularly tricky for you. 

How?
Well, the sauna heat causes a temporary drop in blood pressure, putting added stress on your heart.

And as someone with hypertension or any other cardiovascular condition, this might make you experience an increase in heart rate or feel dizzy after sauna. 

Think of these as signs that your body is struggling to keep up with the heat, and that you should exit the sauna. 

#3. It causes respiratory issues

I am often asked whether or not is a sauna good for respiratory conditions like asthma. And despite research suggesting that sauna heat can benefit asthmatic people, there are also chances it can get you sick. 

You see, the hot and often humid air in a sauna can trigger breathing difficulties. That’s because thick and moist air is difficult to inhale, more so if you’re already struggling with breathing.

In fact, this heat can even cause your airways to constrict and lead to shortness of breath or worse asthma attacks. 

So, if you feel any tightness in the chest, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, you should not use the sauna at all. Moreover, if you have underlying respiratory issues, I suggest you check in with your doctor beforehand. 

#4. It poses infection risks

Often overlooked, hygiene is a major concern in public saunas. And even as everything looks clean on the surface, the place could be a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

So from athlete’s foot to ringworm, and other skin infections, there are many ways a sauna can make you sick. 

This is exactly why you should make sure the facility has a reputation for hygiene. Also, wear flip-flops or sandals when walking outside the sauna enclosure as it will protect your feet from possible infections while not breaking sauna etiquettes. 

#5. It risks Legionnaires’ disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. And this bacteria loves warm and moist environments, making less maintained saunas an ideal breeding ground for them. 

Now, the risk of you contracting Legionnaires’ disease is low. Nevertheless, it is something you should keep in mind, especially if you’re using public facilities. 

Pro tip: Always ask the facility if they monitor the water temperature and use the likes of ASX120 Dual Cartridge Water Treatment Systems to keep their water clean. 

How can you avoid feeling sick after sauna?

Having walked you through how can sauna make you sick, let me share some practical tips to avoid sauna sickness. 

After all, saunas are still the best wellness therapy and there’s no reason why you should not enjoy that calm warm ambiance after a busy day.  

Here’s how you can dodge sickness symptoms:  

1. Keep up with fluid intake

Simple as it is, drinking water before, during, and after your sauna session is super important. That’s because if you don’t replace that lost water, you can quickly become dehydrated. 

Also, I suggest you avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before or during your sauna time, as they can contribute to dehydration. 

2. Limit your sauna session

As much as you love relaxing in the sauna, it’s best to limit your time here. 

The logic is simple: The longer you stay in the sauna the more you risk overheating and dehydration. And this is exactly why I advise keeping your sessions to around 15-20 minutes. 

3. Pay attention to your body’s discomfort signals

This is perhaps my most important tip where you should always be alert for discomfort signals while in the sauna. 

For instance, if you begin to feel unwell out of dizziness, nausea, or any other discomfort, it’s time for you to leave. In these cases, your body is sending you signals, and it’s important to respect them for your own wellbeing.

4. Look for cleanliness and hygiene

While you’re out there looking for a sauna membership, make sure you’re choosing a facility that maintains high standards of cleanliness. 

You see, this isn’t just about comfort but about safety. And to that end, go for a sauna that is regularly sanitized and kept free from harmful bacteria and fungi. 

Frequently asked questions about sauna and sickness

Is it safe to use a sauna every day?

For most healthy individuals, using a sauna every day can actually be a great part of your wellness routine.  

However, like anything in life, you should focus on moderation. Also, listen to your body and stay mindful of how you’re feeling.

It’s straightforward: A daily sauna routine is meant to complement your lifestyle and not to test your limits. 

How to prevent nausea after sauna?

In order to prevent nausea after sauna session, I suggest you hydrate well before and after.

Also, you should keep the sauna time between 15-20 minutes since staying too long in the heat can be overwhelming.

Most importantly, if you feel dizzy or nauseous, step out right away, find a cool and comfortable spot and rest. 

Do pregnant women feel sick after sauna?

Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid saunas, more so during the first trimester. That’s because sauna while pregnancy can leave them feeling sick and risk their baby’s health too.

The main concern here is overheating that can harm the developing fetus. This is especially true in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby’s neural tube is still forming.

So, if you're pregnant and still considering sauna, it’s absolutely crucial to consult your healthcare provider first. 

Are there any age restrictions for sauna use?

Yes, age does play a role when it comes to sauna use. And the sauna age limit applies to both young children and older adults. 

For children, their smaller bodies don’t regulate temperature as effectively as adults do, which makes them more susceptible to overheating. 

As for seniors, their ability to handle heat can also be less robust, especially if they have chronic conditions like heart disease or low blood pressure. 

Conclusion

As you can see, it's crucial to use a sauna responsibly and be aware of potential risks since not doing so can easily make you sick. 

I am sure by now you know how can sauna make you sick and what you can do to avoid it. 

Got more questions or looking to get a sauna installed in your home?
You can get in touch with us!

At Steam & Sauna Experts, we are seasoned sauna installation experts boasting a decade long experience installing top-notch saunas across South Florida. Also, we’ve got the largest sauna inventory of industry-leading products. 

Simply put, we’ve got a one-stop-solution to all your home sauna requirements!