Has anyone used an infrared sauna? My husband is gung ho but I am concerned about its effects on temperature and BP.

[CanAmK]

sauna side effects

[Yanno]

Hello from the UK!

We hadn't heard of or used an infrared sauna before your post but looking on the web they look great. Loads of heat to the body with none of the air around you being heated. However...talking from our own experience, Jackie loves the sun and would happily sit out whenever the sun shines...(not that often in the UK) albeit we've had a great summer this year. BUT...the sun doesn't like Jackie and if she gets too hot without doubt her "MSA symptoms" appear to be worse. Her talking, her dexterity, her movement all become more sluggish.

We therefore have to compromise, thats life with MSA anyway. Jax has some sun but in short bursts trying not to overdo things.

An infra red sauna sounds wonderful but I agree that there could be some downsides. Isn't it possible to try one somewhere local to you and see what the affect is. To reassure you, when Jackie has 'overdone it' in the sun, she returns to 'normal' the next day and so from our point of view there's no lasting damage...but we're not experts!

Take care, Ian x

[CanAmK in reply to Yanno]

Thanks for the response. I know everyone's experience is different but it is reassuring that she returns to her typical functioning. I will let you know how it goes. I think I may take him to try one out.

[Janeyl]

I’m not a clinician, but from what I know about NOH from caring for my husband, I would be very cautious.

Hot temperatures cause increased blood flow to the skin and dehydration, which can lower blood pressure significantly.

[CanAmK in reply to Janeyl]

I appreciate the response and that is the concern.

[KatieMSAT Moderator Staff]

As one of the MSA nurses I would say you are wise to be cautious about this. I would advise extreme caution and consideration as to whether your husband should try an infrared sauna. Someone with MSA is very likely to have problems with sweating normally - either they sweat excessively risking dehydrating; or not able to cool down by sweating so at risk of over-heating detrimentally. Also it will cause the blood pressure to drop - so if your husband already has a tendency to low blood pressure or drops of blood pressure then it may be best to avoid using a sauna that will increase that risk.

[CanAmK in reply to KatieMSAT]

Thank you for the response. I have those same concerns. I have also contacted his doctor for concerns specific to his own symptoms. I may try it if she feels his BP is well controlled but it definitely is a concern. I think as the support person, you want to give him any support he wants to try but I also don't want to place him at risk.

[TK-67]

I would be very careful, my mum can't even have a warm bath anymore because of the effect on her BP and the risk of what might happen.

[CanAmK]

That is the concern. I think people try to be helpful and tell him how well it has worked for them but for different issues ;for example, autoimmune disorders.

[Rhyothemis in reply to CanAmK]

But for the potential side effects - which are concerning - sauna could be beneficial in MSA as it increases production of Hsp70, which helps proteins keep their shape and function normally. It is the same proposed mechanism as mannitol, which is used by some people with PD, some of whom report it helps with their sense of smell and in some cases with constipation. Mannitol is reviewed in the Science of Parkinson's Blog:

scienceofparkinsons.com/201...

IV mannitol, which is used to treat high intracranial pressure, can cause an initial rise in BP and then rebound to low BP. I don't know if oral mannitol can do this - though it is on the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list and is sold as an alternative sweetener.

[CanAmK]

That's very interesting and if oral mannitol works it could be a very cost effective way to treat MSA.