Sauna sessions twice a week could cut risks of pneumonia

SWEATING in a sauna at least twice a week could slash the risk of potentially deadly infections like pneumonia, research shows.

People who enjoyed sauna sessions on a regular basis were almost 30 per cent less likely to develop the lifethreatening illness, while going twice a week or more cut the risk by almost 40 per cent.

Saunas also reduced the chances of falling ill with asthma and other chest complaints.

The findings, published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, are the latest in a series showing saunas can bolster the health of both sexes.

Another recent study found they could lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

And last year scientists found that regular hot sessions in a sauna bath could even lower the chances of dementia.

Anecdotal evidence suggests the activity also eases sore joints, headaches and clears up skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Pneumonia is the sixth biggest cause of death in the UK, claiming an estimated 29,000 lives a year.

Saunas produce a mostly dry heat which can reach temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius.

However, doctors advise some patients to avoid them in case the stress of the high temperatures puts undue strain on their bodies.

These include people who have recently suffered a heart attack, or who may be prone to low blood pressure.