Health effects and risks of sauna bathing

References

• Kauppinen K. Sauna, shower, and ice water immersion. Physiological responses to brief exposures to heat, cool, and cold. Part III. Body temperatures. Arctic Med Res 1989; 48: 75–86.
   Google Scholar
• Biro S, Masuda A, Kihara T, Tei C. Clinical implications of thermal therapy in lifestyle-related diseases. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2003; 228: 1245–1249.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Dugué B, Leppänen E. Adaptation related to cytokines in man: effects of regular swimming in ice-cold water. Clin Phys 2000; 20: 114–121.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Dugué B, Smolander J, Westerlund T et al. Acute and long-term effects of winter swimming and whole-body cryotherapy on plasma antioxidative capacity in healthy women. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 2005; 65: 395–402.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hirvonen J, Lindeman S, Joukamaa M, Huttunen P. Plasma catecholamines, serotonin and their metabolites and beta-endorphin of winter swimmers during one winter. Possible correlations to psychological traits. Intl Circumpolar Health 2002; 61: 363–372.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Kauppinen K, Vuori I. Man in the sauna. Review article. Ann Clin Res 1986; 18: 173–185.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Kauppinen K. Sauna, shower, and ice water immersion. Physiological responses to brief exposures to heat, cool, and cold. Part 11. Circulation. Arctic Med Res 1989; 48: 64–74.
   Google Scholar
• Kukkonen-Harjula K, Oja P, Laustiola K et al. Haemodynamic and hormonal responses to heat exposure in a Finnish sauna bath. Eur J Appl Physiol 1989; 58: 543–550.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Eisalo A, Luurila OJ. The Finnish sauna and cardiovascular diseases. Ann Clin Res 1988; 20: 267–270.
   Google Scholar
• Ahonen E, Nousiainen U. The sauna and body fluid balance. Ann Clin Res 1988; 20: 257–261.
   Google Scholar
• Gutiérrez A, Mesa JLM, Ruiz JR, Chirosa Q, Castillo MJ. Sauna-induced rapid weight loss decreases explosive power in women but not in men. Int J Sports Med 2003; 24: 518–522.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kukkonen-Harjula K, Kauppinen K. How the sauna affects the endocrine system. Ann Clin Res 1988; 20: 262–266.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Jezovà D, Kvetnanský R, Vigaš M. Sex differences in endocrine response to hyperthermia in sauna. Acta Physiol Scand 1994; 150: 293–298.
   Google Scholar
• Kauppinen K, Pajari-Backas M, Volin P, Vakkuri O. Some endocrine responses to sauna, shower and ice water immersion. Arctic Med Res 1989; 48: 131–139.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Vähä-Eskeli K, Erkkola R, Irjala K, Uotila P, Poranen AK, Säteri U. Responses of placental steroids, prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 to thermal stress during pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1992; 43: 97–103.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kauppinen K. Sauna, shower, and ice water immersion. Physiological responses to brief exposures to heat, cool, and cold. Part I. Body fluid balance. Arctic Med Res 1989; 48: 55–63.
   Google Scholar
• Leppäluoto J, Arjamaa O, Vuolteenaho O, Ruskoaho H. Passive heat exposure leads to delayed increase in plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide in humans. J Appl Physiol 1991; 71: 716–720.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Saikhun J, Kitiyanant Y, Vanadurongwan V, Pavasuthipaisit K. Effects of sauna on sperm movement characteristics of normal men measured by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Int J Androl 1998; 21: 358–363.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Laitinen LA, Lindqvist A, Heino M. Lungs and ventilation in the sauna. Ann Clin Res 1988; 20: 244–248.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Kiss D, Popp W, Wagner C, Zwick H, Sertl K. Effects of the sauna on diffusing capacity, pulmonary function and cardiac output in healthy subjects. Respiration 1994; 61: 86–88.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kauppinen K. Facts and fables about sauna. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1997; 813: 654–662.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Keast ML, Adamo KB. The Finnish sauna bath and its use in patients with cardiovascular disease. J Cardiopulmonary Rehabil 2000; 20: 225–230.
   Google Scholar
• Hannuksela M, Ellahham S. Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. Am J Med 2001; 110: 118–126.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Nguyen Y, Naseer N, Frishman WH. Sauna as a therapeutic option for cardiovascular disease. Cardiol Rev 2004; 12: 321–324.
   Google Scholar
• Luurila OJ. The sauna and the heart. J Intern Med 1992; 231: 319–320.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Giannetti N, Juneau M, Arsenault A et al. Sauna-induced myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease. Am J Med 1999; 107: 228–233.
   Google Scholar
• Tei C, Horikiri Y, Park J-C et al. Acute hemodynamic improvement by thermal vasodilation in congestive heart failure. Circulation 199591: 2582–2590.
   Google Scholar
• Kihara T, Biro S, Imamura M et al. Repeated sauna treatment improves vascular endothelial and cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol 2002; 39: 754–759.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Imamura M, Biro S, Kihara T et al. Repeated thermal therapy improves impaired vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary risk factors. J Am Coll Cardiol 2001; 38: 1083–1088.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kihara T, Biro S, Ikeda Y et al. Effects of repeated sauna treatment on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic heart failure. Circ J 2004; 68: 1146–1151.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Nurmikko T, Hietaharju A. Effect of exposure to sauna heat on neuropathic and rheumatoid pain. Pain 1992; 49: 43–51.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Isomäki H. The sauna and rheumatoid diseases. Ann Clin Res 1988; 20: 271–275.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Piso U, KOther G, Gutenbrunner C, Gehrke A. Analgetische Wirkungen der Sauna bei der Fibromyalgie. Phys Rehab Kur Med 2001; 11: 94–99. [in German]
   Google Scholar
• Engel P, Afflerbach F, Müller C, Gutenbrunner C, Moog R. Zur therapeutischen Wirksamkeit von Ganzkörper Hyperthermien beim schmerzhaften Muskelbelastungssyndrom. Phys Rehab Kur Med 1996; 6: 113–117. [in German]
   Google Scholar
• Masuda A, Nakazato M, Kihara T, Minagoe S, Tei C. Repeated thermal therapy diminishes appetite loss and subjective complaints in mildly depressed patients. Psychosom Med 2005; 67: 643–647.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cox NJM Oostendorp GM, Folgering HT, van Herwaarden CL. Sauna to transiently improve pulmonary function in patients with obstructive lung disease. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1989; 70: 911–913.
   Google Scholar
• van Hengstum M, Festen J, Corstens F. Measurement of tracheobronchial clearance after sauna in subjects with chronic bronchitis. Thorax 1991; 46: 732–733.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Preisler B, Falkenbach A, Kläber B, Hoffmann D. Der Einfluss der finnischen Trockensauna auf Asthma bronchiale im Kindesalter. Pneumologie 1990; 44: 1185–1187. [in German]
   Google Scholar
• Ernst E, Pecho E, Wirz P, Saradeth T. Regular sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds. Ann Med 1990; 22: 225–227.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vuori I. Sollten kranke oder alte Leute die Sauna meiden? Int Sauna-Arch 1994; 11:123132. [in German]
   Google Scholar
• Papp A. Sauna-related burns: a review of 154 cases treated in Kuopio University Hospital Burn Center 1994–2000. Burns 2002; 28: 57–59.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Koski A, Koljonen V, Vuola J. Rhabdomyolysis caused by hot air sauna burn. Burns 2005; 31: 776–779.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kortelainen M-L. Hyperthermia deaths in Finland in 1970–86. Am J Forens Med Pathol 1991; 12: 115–118.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Ylikahri R, Heikkonen E, Suokas A. The sauna and alcohol. Ann Clin Res 1988; 20: 287–291.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Roine R, Luurila OJ, Suokas A et al. Alcohol and sauna bathing: Effects on cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, and serum electrolyte and cortisol concentrations. J Intern Med 1992; 231: 333–338.
   Google Scholar
• Milunsky A, Ulcickas M, Rothman KJ, Willett W, Jick SS, Jick H. Maternal heat exposure and neural tube defects. JAMA 1992; 268: 882–885.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rapola J, Saxén L, Granroth G. Anencephaly and the sauna. Lancet 1978; 1: 1162.
   Google Scholar
• Waldenström U. Warm tub bath and sauna in early pregnancy: risk of malformation uncertain. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1994; 73: 449–451.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tikkanen J, Heinonen OP. Maternal hyperthermia during pregnancy and cardiovascular malformations in the offspring. Eur J Epidemiol 1991; 7: 628–635.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Judge CM, Chasan-Taber L, Gensburg L, Nasca PC, Marshall EG. Physical exposures during pregnancy and congenital cardiovascular malformations. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2004; 18: 352–360.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Saxén L, Holmberg PC, Nurminen M, Kuosma E. Sauna and congenital defects. Teratology 1982; 25: 309–313.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Vähä-Eskeli K, Erkkola R, Seppänen A. Is the heat dissipating ability enhanced during pregnancy? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 199139:169–174.
   Google Scholar
• Vähä-Eskeli K, Erkkola R. The sauna and pregnancy. Ann Clin Res 1988; 20: 79–82.
   Google Scholar
• Markkola L, Mattila KJ, Koivikko MJ. Sauna habits and related symptoms in Finnish children. Eur J Pediatr 1989; 149: 221–222.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rissmann A, Al-Karawi J, Jorch G. Infant 's physiological response to short heat stress during sauna bath. Klin Pädiatr 2002; 214: 132–135.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Jokinen E, Välimäki I. Children in sauna: Electrocar-diographic abnormalities. Acta Paediatr Scand 1991; 80: 370–374.
   Google Scholar
• Jokinen E, Välimäki I, Antila K, Seppänen A, Tuominen J. Children in sauna: Cardiovascular adjustment. Pediatrics 1990; 86: 282–288.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zeitlin R, Somppi E, Järnberg J. Paediatric burns in central Finland between the 1960s and the 1980s. Burns 1993; 19: 418–22.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sugahara Y, Ishii M, Muta H, Egami K, Akagi T, Matsuishi T. Efficacy and safety of thermal vasodilation therapy by sauna in infants with severe congestive heart failure secondary to ventricular septal defect. Am J Cardiol 2003; 92: 109–113.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hannuksela M, Väänänen A. The sauna, skin and skin diseases. Ann Clin Res 1988; 20: 276–278.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Vanakoski J, Seppälä T. Heat exposure and drugs. A review of the effects of hyperthermia on pharma-cokinetics. Clin Pharmacokinet 199834:311–322.
   Google Scholar
• Vanakoski J, Idänpää Heikkilä JJ, Seppälä T. Exposure to high environmental temperature in the sauna does not change plasma indocyanine green (ICG) clearance in healthy subjects. Pharmacol Toxicol 1996; 78: 94–98.
   Google Scholar
• Vanakoski J, Idänpää Heikkilä JJ, Olkkola KT, Seppälä T. Effects of heat exposure in a Finnish sauna on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of midazolam. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1996; 51: 335–338.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vanakoski J, Strömberg C, Seppälä T. Effects of a sauna on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of midazolam and ephedrine in healthy young women. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1993; 45: 377–381.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vanakoski J, Seppälä T. Renal excretion of tetracycline is transiently decreased during short term heat exposure. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1997; 35: 204–207.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Luurila OJ, Kohvakka A, Sundberg S. Comparison of blood pressure response to heat stress in sauna in young hypertensive patients treated with atenolol and diltiazem. Am J Cardiol 1989; 64: 97–99.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kukkonen-Harjula K, Oja P, Vuori L. et al. Cardiovascular effects of atenolol, scopolamine and their combination on healthy men in Finnish sauna baths. Eur J Appl Physiol 1994; 69: 10–15.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Barkve TF, Langseth Manrique K, Bredesen JE, Gjesdal K. Increased uptake of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate during physical exercise and during high ambient temperature. Am Heart J 1986; 112: 537–541.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vanakoski J, Seppälä T, Sievi E, Lunell E. Exposure to high ambient temperature increases absorption and plasma concentrations of transdermal nicotine. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996; 60: 308–315.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Koivisto VA. Sauna induced acceleration in insulin absorption from subcutaneous injection site. BMJ 1980; 280: 1411–1413.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Zacur HA, Hedon B, Mansour D, Shangold GA, Fisher AC, Creasy GW. Integrated summary of Ortho EvraTM/EvaTM contraceptive patch adhesion in varied climates and conditions. Fertil Steril 2002;77(Suppl 2):532–35.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar