SAUNA FOR SINUS INFECTION: DOES IT WORK?

If you've ever experienced a sinus infection, you know just how frustrating it can be. The struggle to breathe, the pounding headaches, and the endless battle with stubborn mucus can make even the most optimistic person feel exhausted and miserable. 

Thankfully, a sauna-like Almost Heaven Rainelle may help provide much-needed relief. The question is, how does this small room with soaring temperatures and billowing steam do the trick? What can you do to make the most of this therapeutic experience? 

Let's take a look at how a sauna can help you get rid of those pesky sinus infections.

What Is a Sinus Infection?

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology explains sinus infection is a mucus buildup in your sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled pockets behind your nasal cavities and above your cheeks that help keep bacteria out of the lungs. When you have a sinus infection, the resultant bacterial growth can cause swelling and inflammation.

There are two main types of sinus infections: acute and chronic. Acute sinus infection is generally brief, lasting two to eight weeks. The common cold usually causes this type of infection. 

Chronic sinus infection, on the other hand, persists for 12 weeks or longer. This type of sinus infection can result from factors such as nasal polyps, a deviated septum, or, less commonly, fungal infections. In rare cases, chronic sinusitis might even contribute to more serious issues, such as meningitis or a brain abscess.

The symptoms of sinus infections include headaches, stuffy nose, bad breath, dental pain, a reduced sense of smell, persistent cough, facial pain, and an unusual green or yellow nasal discharge. 

If you're under the weather and struggling with a nose blockage that makes breathing difficult, you might want to try sauna sessions to alleviate some of your discomforts.

Different Types of Saunas 

There are three different types of saunas, each bringing unique benefits to the table. Let's take a look at them so you can choose the right one according to your needs.

Traditional Saunas

Also known as dry saunas, traditional saunas function by heating a pile of rocks using a stove or an electric heater. The temperature of these saunas is usually between 150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, which stimulates a robust sweat response. This dry heat helps expel bacteria and toxins from the body, improves circulation, strengthens the immune system, and relieves stress.

What's interesting about traditional saunas is that you can adjust the humidity based on comfort. Simply pour water on the heated rocks to create steam, which will help you relax and breathe easier.

Steam Saunas

Unlike their traditional counterparts, steam saunas rely on humidity to deliver various benefits. Steam rooms boast a steam generator that pumps out heated water vapor to fill the room. In these saunas, the humidity level is 100%, but the temperature is usually 110 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. 

Steam saunas help loosen tight muscles, opens pores so they can sweat more, and relieves sore throats, colds, and allergies.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas bring a modern twist to the age-old practice of sauna bathing. Rather than heating the air around you like traditional and steam saunas, infrared saunas use infrared lamps to warm your body directly. 

These waves penetrate more deeply into the skin and muscle tissues to improve cardiovascular health, speed up recovery after an intense workout, and relieve chronic pain and fibromyalgia.

Since these saunas operate at a moderate temperature of 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, you can reap all the benefits without feeling overwhelmed or overheated. 

Benefits of Sauna for Sinus Infection

The beneficial effects of saunas on sinus infections are not just hearsay; they're stamped by science. A 2016 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal revealed a significant finding: steam inhalation effectively alleviated sinusitis symptoms, even reducing sinus-associated headaches.

Adding to these benefits, a 2021 study published in PubMed Central explained that steam inhalation offered notable relief for patients with allergic rhinitis. This condition manifests through relentless sneezing, stubborn congestion, an endlessly itchy nose, and a nasty sore throat. The best part? The results were quick and efficient, with patients experiencing noticeable relief with regular sessions. 

MedicalNewsToday explains that warm sauna vapors can help hydrate the respiratory tract and thin out your mucus from nasal passages, helping your body to get rid of it more easily. The heat also opens up your blood vessels, allowing more blood flow to reach the sinuses. This oxygenates the tissues, which helps them fight infection and inflammation.

Although that's amazing by itself, the sauna's benefits extend beyond the immediate relief for crusty nostrils. Sinusitis can also disrupt your sleep schedule. Sleep Foundation mentions that your body temperature tends to drop right before going to sleep. As it turns out, the post-sauna cool-off period mimics this natural signaling, helping you achieve a good night's sleep.

Despite all these benefits, steam inhalation during sauna sessions may not be sufficient if you're suffering from chronic sinusitis infection. In that case, it's vital to consult a healthcare professional to discuss the best course of action to treat your condition. This is especially important if you're experiencing more severe symptoms such as fever, pain, or difficulty breathing. 

How to Use Sauna for Sinus Infection

The following are some handy tips to make the most of your sauna session:

• Time of Day Matters: Most people often complain about increased inflammation, stuffiness, and discomfort during nighttime, especially while lying down. This makes evenings a great time to soak in the sauna's warmth. 

  
  

  Research shows that moist heat can help drain out clogged mucus. Similarly, sauna heat has been shown to decrease cortisol levels. Since stress usually exacerbates our body's inflammatory responses, an evening sauna session will help melt away the tension and keep your sinuses from inflaming. 

• Duration: To ease sinus infections, maintain a 10–15 minute sauna session routine. This duration strikes an outstanding balance, long enough to reap the benefits but brief enough to avoid any potential risk related to prolonged high-heat exposure.

   

• Frequency: As for frequency, the more, the better. If your schedule allows, spend a few minutes in the sauna daily. You'll soon notice your sinus infection clearing up faster than usual. If not, aim for at least three sessions per week. 

  
  

• Stay Calm: Relaxation is the key to recovering faster, so try to practice deep breathing or meditation this time. You can also try using a neti pot to rinse your sinuses with saline solution to help reduce inflammation and clear any debris from the nose. This can be done before or after sauna use.

  
  

• Use Aromatherapy: Consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a sauna bucket or on the sauna stones. The vapor can improve nasal congestion.

  
  

• Post-Use Tips: Once you've finished your sauna session, give yourself time to cool down before showering. Also, be sure to drink more fluids to replenish any possible losses from sweating and keep those hydration levels in check. 

  
  

You might be tempted to squeeze in that workout, tackle that mountain of chores, or go on a wild night out post-sauna session. Though, you should avoid doing that. Instead, rest to recuperate and heal, allowing the sauna's benefits to work their magic without any extra strain.

Safety Tips for Sauna Use

Saunas are a great way to relax and enjoy some health benefits, but they also require some safety precautions. 

Here are some tips for using a sauna safely and effectively:

• Before entering a sauna, ensure you are well-hydrated and have no medical conditions that the heat may worsen. Before entering, drink two to four glasses of water and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. 

  
  

• Consult your doctor if you have any heart problems, diabetes, kidney disease, or other serious illness.

  
  

• Wear loose-fitting, clean, dry clothes or a towel to cover yourself. Do not wear jewelry or metal accessories, as they can get hot and burn your skin. 

  
  

• If you are using a public sauna, follow the etiquette and rules of the place. Respect the privacy and comfort of other users, and do not make loud noises or engage in inappropriate behavior.

  
  

• Stay in the sauna for no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortable, leave the sauna immediately and cool down gradually. 

  
  

• Do not take a cold shower or plunge into cold water right after leaving the sauna, as this can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and shock your body.

  
  

• After using the sauna, drink plenty of water or isotonic drinks to replenish your fluids and electrolytes. You can also eat light snacks, such as fruits or nuts, to restore energy. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and smoking for at least an hour after the sauna.

  
  

FAQs: Sauna for Sinus Infection

Is a dry sauna or steam room good for sinus infection?

With its moist, warm heat, steam saunas can be pretty beneficial for sinus infections. It can help open up sinuses and stimulate nasal discharge so you can breathe freely.

Is a sauna good for the cold?

While it's not a surefire cure, a moderate sauna session may help alleviate cold symptoms like aches and pains, chilliness, stuffy nose, and sore throat. However, if you're feeling extremely unwell or feverish, prioritize rest and drink lots of fluids to recover more quickly.

Can a sauna help with nasal congestion?

Yes, the sauna can be used as a decongestant. Research shows that the heat from the sauna stimulates vasodilation — an opening of your blood vessels, which can improve oxygenation and reduce nasal inflammation. This helps make it easy to cough up the phlegm that might be causing congestion. 

How long should I sit in a sauna?

The length of your sauna session can depend on different factors like your personal health condition, heat tolerance, and experience with saunas. 

If you're relatively new to the sauna experience, start with a 10–15-minute session. As your heat tolerance builds and your body adjusts, you can gradually extend this to around 20–30 minutes.

Conclusion: Using Sauna for Sinus Infection

While saunas are usually seen as a space for relaxation and wellness, they also act as a formidable ally in the battle against sinus infections. 

Since a public sauna or those in gyms may not be the most convenient or comfortable option, a person-at-home sauna might be more effective in helping you sweat out the congestion.

At MySaunaWorld, we offer a wide range of high-quality traditional and infrared saunas at affordable prices. For more information, contact us today, and our friendly staff will guide you through the selection process.