Pneumonia, being the fifth leading cause of death in Australia since 1968, has remained a public concern for decades, with a mortality rate of 3.26% – data given by the World Health Organization (WHO). These figures underscore the urgent need for strategies to prevent such respiratory illness that affects individuals of any age. One such strategy is using saunas, which has been supported by several studies, highlighting a potential role in preventing respiratory infections. At Sun Stream Saunas, we want to shed light on the full host of benefits that regular use can potentially bring for its enthusiasts and prospective users. In this article, we will explore how infrared saunas Australia can be utilised as a potential treatment for preventing pneumonia.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Though it is not contagious, the bacteria and viruses that cause it can be transmitted from one person to another, spreading the illness through coughs and sneezes. The condition can affect either one or both lungs, and is called bilateral or double pneumonia.
How Can Sauna Use Help?
In one study, saunas potentially help improve respiratory health by opening the air passages, which improves overall lung health. The insight reveals that infrared saunas can help to manage symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
12 male patients with COPD underwent sauna use, and studied its effects before-and-after. They measured Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume (FVE1) in one second; FVC reflects the total amount of air exhaled after a deep breath, and on the other hand, FVE1 measures the volume exhaled in one second. Both of them are crucial for airway obstruction.
The study revealed significant improvement in both FVC and FVE1, highlighting that sauna sessions can be a potential intervention for improving respiratory health- bolstering the body’s defense against respiratory illnesses.
Excess weight may also lead to respiratory diseases. While most of us are unaware, obesity can affect our lung function- lowering our chest wall compliance and endurance of our respiratory muscles leading to shortness of breath. This can increase the risk of respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. Asthma and COPD can cause swelling of the airways, which are blocked with mucus, making them more prone to infections like pneumonia.
Regular infrared sauna can contribute to weight loss- this was supported by the Journal of the American Medical Association, which found that a 30-minute session can burn up to 600 calories.
By facilitating weight loss and mitigating the effects of obesity on lung function, sauna may indirectly reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.
While studies about the direct benefits of saunas to pneumonia are limited, the benefits of saunas associated with it suggest that saunas may potentially contribute to and improve respiratory health.
However, before starting any interventions, consulting with your doctor is highly advised.
Saunas Australia | Experiencing the benefits at your own home
Discover the benefits of saunas Australia at your own home with Sunstream Saunas. Contact us today for the perfect sauna model that fits your own space and start your sessions for better respiratory health.