Is Sauna Good for Asthma? Finnish Study Shows 41% Reduction

Breathing freely is something many of us take for granted—but not the millions who struggle with asthma daily. If you’re searching for relief beyond inhalers and medications, you might wonder: Is sauna good for asthma?

Many sufferers report feeling relief after sauna sessions, but skepticism remains about whether heat therapy truly helps or if it’s just wishful thinking.

This guide explores the science behind sauna use for asthma and how you might safely add it to your management plan if it proves beneficial for you.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, including the use of saunas.

Understanding Asthma and Its Challenges

Asthma affects about 25.5 million adults in the United States, representing 11.25% of the adult population according to 2021 CDC data (Source: cdc.gov).

This chronic inflammatory condition narrows the airways, making breathing difficult and causing symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

When asthma flares up during an attack, breathing becomes extremely difficult. The inflammation at the root of asthma can be triggered by various factors, including allergens like pollen and dust mites, air pollution, exercise, cold air, and respiratory infections.

Traditional treatments focus on medications that reduce inflammation and open airways, but many patients look for complementary approaches to manage their symptoms better.

How Sauna Therapy Affects Asthma

Sitting in a sauna triggers several physiological responses that may benefit people with asthma.

Inflammation Reduction

Asthma is fundamentally an inflammatory condition. Research shows regular sauna sessions can significantly reduce inflammation throughout the body.

A Finnish study found that people who used saunas frequently had lower levels of C-reactive protein (an inflammation marker) compared to those who used saunas less often. ¹

This anti-inflammatory effect is particularly important for asthma management since reduced inflammation means less airway constriction and easier breathing.

Opening Airways and Clearing Mucus

The warm environment of a sauna helps relax airway muscles and reduce bronchospasm (tightening of airways). This relaxation effect can be particularly beneficial during times when asthma symptoms are mild but persistent.

Additionally, heat and humidity help loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to clear. Many asthma patients report a better ability to clear congestion after sauna sessions, leading to improved breathing for hours or even days afterward.

Increased Blood Flow and Circulation

Sauna heat causes expanded blood vessels (vasodilation) and improved peripheral blood flow. This enhanced circulation delivers more oxygen to tissues throughout the body, including the lungs and respiratory muscles.

These cardiovascular changes are similar to those experienced during moderate exercise, but without the potential breathing stress that exercise sometimes causes for people with asthma. This makes sauna therapy a gentle way to gain some of the respiratory benefits of exercise.

Scientific Evidence: Do Saunas Actually Help Asthma?

Research on sauna therapy for asthma shows promising results, though more studies specifically focused on asthma are still needed.

The most compelling evidence comes from a significant 25-year Finnish study tracking middle-aged men. This research found that those who used saunas 4-7 times weekly had a 41% lower risk of respiratory diseases compared to those who used saunas only once weekly. This remarkable reduction suggests that regular sauna use may have powerful protective effects on respiratory health.

More specifically for asthma, a study referenced in the Journal of Asthma showed spa therapy (which included thermal therapy components similar to a sauna) led to a 16.5% improvement in forced expiratory volume, a 22% reduction in airway inflammation markers, and a 37% decrease in asthma control questionnaire scores. ²

People with asthma have about 35% higher risk of developing pneumonia, but regular sauna bathing appears to reduce this risk. Studies show protection against respiratory infections even among those with elevated inflammation levels, which is particularly valuable for asthma patients. ³

Types of Saunas: Which Works Best for Asthma?

Not all saunas are created equal when it comes to asthma management. The temperature, humidity level, and heating method all impact how well a person with asthma will tolerate the experience.

Traditional Finnish Saunas

Traditional Finnish saunas operate at very high temperatures, typically 176-212°F (80-100°C), with very low humidity (10-20%). The heat source is usually rocks heated by wood, gas, or electricity.

While many people enjoy these saunas, the extremely high temperatures can be challenging for some asthma patients. The intense heat may trigger bronchospasm or increased respiratory distress in sensitive individuals.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas function at much lower temperatures, usually 113-140°F (45-60°C). They provide dry heat with no added humidity, and the heat source is infrared light waves that warm the body directly rather than heating the air first.

These characteristics make infrared saunas generally better for asthma patients. The lower temperatures are less likely to trigger respiratory distress while still providing therapeutic heat benefits. An additional advantage is that near-infrared light may offer extra anti-inflammatory benefits specifically helpful for respiratory conditions.

Steam Rooms

Though not technically saunas, steam rooms operate at 104-122°F (40-50°C) with very high humidity (100%). The heat comes from steam generators that fill the room with moist heat.

For asthma, steam rooms offer mixed results. The humidity helps with mucus clearance and may soothe irritated airways, but the high moisture levels can trigger symptoms in some patients, particularly those sensitive to humidity changes.

Verdict:

For most people with asthma, infrared saunas are often the best option.
A 2023 study showed improvements in lung function with thermal therapy at temperatures around 104°F (40°C), which aligns more with infrared sauna parameters than traditional saunas. (de Lima, Pinheiro, & de Carvalho, 2023)

Home Sauna Options for Asthma Management

Creating a home sauna solution may be worth considering for regular asthma management. Having access to your own sauna allows for consistent therapy on your schedule, which is important for developing respiratory benefits.

Several home options exist at different price points:

1. Portable infrared saunas: These affordable, space-saving options start around $200-400 and can be folded away when not in use.
2. Infrared sauna blankets: Even more compact than portable saunas, these usually cost $300-500 and are essentially heating blankets that create a sauna-like experience.
3. Pre-built sauna cabins: These require more space and investment ($2,000-8,000) but offer a more complete sauna experience with better temperature control and features.
4. Custom installations: The highest-cost option but allows for specific features designed for respiratory health.

When choosing a home sauna for asthma management, look for full-spectrum infrared heating (including near-infrared), good ventilation systems, easy temperature control, and salt therapy compatibility.

While a home sauna requires an upfront investment, many people find it cost-effective compared to regular spa visits over time, especially if using it frequently for respiratory health.

Enhancing Sauna Benefits with Salt Therapy

Salt therapy (halotherapy) combined with sauna use may offer additional benefits for asthma patients. This approach involves breathing air containing tiny salt particles.

Research shows salt therapy may help asthma through several mechanisms⁴:

• Reducing airway inflammation
• Improving mucus clearance by thinning secretions
• Creating an environment that may reduce allergen impact
• Helping open airways by clearing obstructions

A randomized trial with children found improvements in bronchial hyperresponsiveness and quality of life after 14 sessions. ⁵

When combined with sauna therapy, the heat helps open airways, potentially allowing salt particles to penetrate more deeply into the respiratory system (Source: purespadirect.com).

You can experience all these benefits by using Himalayan salt bricks in your sauna or dedicated salt therapy devices. However, some doctors caution that salt inhalation might cause airway constriction in certain individuals. Always consult your healthcare provider first.

Safety Guidelines for Using Saunas with Asthma

If you have asthma and want to try sauna therapy, safety must be your top priority. Here are essential guidelines to follow:

Before Starting

Talk to your doctor first. This is essential, especially if you have moderate to severe asthma. Your doctor can help assess whether sauna therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.

Ensure your asthma is well-controlled before beginning. Always bring your rescue inhaler to every sauna session, and consider using your prescribed preventative inhaler before the session if your doctor approves.

Starting Safely

Begin with very short sessions of just 5-10 minutes. Choose lower temperatures to start, particularly if using a traditional sauna.

Make sure the sauna is well-ventilated, and always bring water to stay hydrated before, during, and after your session.

Signs to Stop Immediately

Know when to exit the sauna. Leave immediately if you experience:

• Increasing chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Unusual coughing
• Any discomfort in breathing

These symptoms suggest the heat or environment is triggering your asthma, and continuing could lead to a more severe reaction.

Building Tolerance

If initial sessions go well, gradually increase your sauna time by 2-3 minutes per week, working up to 15-20 minute sessions as tolerated. Aim for 2-3 sessions weekly for best results.

Keep track of your symptoms after each session to identify patterns. Some people notice immediate benefits, while others see improvements develop over several weeks.

Who Should Avoid Sauna Therapy

Sauna therapy isn’t right for everyone with asthma. You should skip sauna sessions if you:

• Have severe or unstable asthma
• Are currently experiencing an asthma flare-up
• Have had a recent asthma-related hospitalization
• Are pregnant with asthma (without doctor approval)
• Have certain heart conditions alongside asthma
• Are taking medications that affect heat tolerance

Children with asthma should only use saunas under strict medical guidance, with reduced temperatures and shorter durations. Their bodies regulate heat differently than adults, making them more susceptible to overheating.

A Practical Approach to Using Saunas for Asthma

If you decide to try sauna therapy for asthma, a gradual approach works best.

1. Weeks 1-2: 5-10 minute sessions at lower temperatures (45-50°C for infrared), 1-2 times weekly
2. Weeks 3-4: 10-15 minutes if well-tolerated, 2-3 times weekly
3. Weeks 5-6: Up to 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times weekly if beneficial

Many people notice gradual improvements in reduced frequency of asthma symptoms, easier breathing (especially during exercise), less reliance on rescue medications, improved sleep with fewer nighttime symptoms, and better tolerance to typical asthma triggers.

Keep a simple journal tracking your symptoms before and after sauna sessions. This record will help you and your doctor evaluate whether sauna therapy is truly helping your specific condition.

Conclusion

Is sauna good for asthma? Research suggests it can help many people when used correctly. Regular sauna sessions may cut down inflammation, open up airways, clear mucus, and make your lungs work better.

For most people with asthma, infrared saunas are the gentlest option, and adding salt therapy might boost the benefits even more. But safety comes first—always talk to your doctor, start with short sessions, and listen to how your body responds.

Sauna therapy won’t replace your asthma medications, but it could be a helpful addition to your treatment plan. With your doctor’s guidance and a careful approach, saunas might help you breathe easier and enjoy life more while managing your asthma.

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Resources

1. Kunutsor, S. K., Laukkanen, T., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2017). Sauna bathing reduces the risk of respiratory diseases: A long-term prospective cohort study. European Journal of Epidemiology, 32(12), 1107–1111. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-017-0311-6 ↩︎
2. de Lima, F. F., Pinheiro, D. H. A., & de Carvalho, C. R. F. (2023). Physical training in adults with asthma: An integrative approach on strategies, mechanisms, and benefits. Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences, 4, 1115352. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2023.1115352 ↩︎
3. Kunutsor, S. K., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2021). High fitness levels, frequent sauna bathing and risk of pneumonia in a cohort study: Are there potential implications for COVID-19?. European journal of clinical investigation, 51(3), e13490. https://doi.org/10.1111/eci.13490 ↩︎
4. Crisan-Dabija, R., Sandu, I. G., Popa, I. V., Scripcariu, D. V., Covic, A., & Burlacu, A. (2021). Halotherapy-An Ancient Natural Ally in the Management of Asthma: A Comprehensive Review. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 9(11), 1604. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9111604 ↩︎
5. Bar-Yoseph, R., Kugelman, N., Livnat, G., Gur, M., Hakim, F., Nir, V., & Bentur, L. (2017). Halotherapy as asthma treatment in children: A randomized, controlled, prospective pilot study. Pediatric pulmonology, 52(5), 580–587. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppul.23621 ↩︎

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