Sauna users have been issued an urgent warning following a distressing incident where a woman in her early 70s suffered from severe heat stroke and multi-organ failure after a prolonged session in a sauna. Doctors from Birmingham Heartlands Hospital revealed that the patient had to undergo 12 days of hospital treatment after experiencing a heart attack and other serious health complications due to heat stroke. Surprisingly, there have been fewer than 10 reported cases of heat stroke linked to sauna use. The woman, a regular gym-goer, was found unconscious in the sauna at her local fitness centre.
According to reports from Surrey Live, doctors in the BMJ Case Reports determined that the woman likely experienced classical heat stroke with multi-organ failure, a rare diagnosis. They highlighted that there have been very few cases of heat stroke associated with sauna use, with some resulting in fatalities. Before entering the sauna, the woman had been engaged in stretching exercises for nearly 45 minutes. Upon discovery, medics found her with a dangerously high core body temperature of 42°C, low blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate.
The woman, who had a history of type 1 diabetes and thyroid issues, was immediately taken to the emergency department at Heartlands Hospital where she was treated with damp towels and a fan to lower her body temperature. She regained consciousness after two hours and showed signs of improvement despite experiencing seizures and acute kidney injury. Subsequent tests revealed liver complications and a heart attack. Fortunately, after 26 days, the woman had recovered, although she still battled fatigue.
Reflecting on her experience, the patient stressed the importance of staying hydrated before entering saunas and highlighted the need for regular checks by staff. She admitted to underestimating the importance of hydration and credited her full recovery to the medical team’s swift actions. Sauna users are now being urged to take precautions and ensure proper hydration to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In conclusion, this cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with sauna use and the critical importance of staying hydrated to avoid heat-related illnesses. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of their health conditions and to listen to their bodies when engaging in sauna sessions or any activities with high heat exposure. This incident underscores the significance of proper supervision and adherence to safety guidelines in sauna facilities to prevent health emergencies.