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Deaths in the Turkish hamam (hot bath)
Bulent Eren1, Recep Fedakar, Nursel Turkmen
1Uludag University Medical Faculty, Forensic Medicine Department, Bursa, Turkey. bulenteren2000@yahoo.com
Bratislavske Lekarske Listy
|February 3, 2010
Summary
Hot bath (Hamam) deaths are often linked to cardiac issues, especially in the elderly. Individuals with heart conditions should consult physicians before using hot baths due to health risks.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hamam (hot bath) culture is globally prevalent.
- High temperatures and humidity in hamams can impact human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate demographic characteristics of individuals who died in hamams.
- Determine autopsy findings and causes of death in medicolegal cases from hamams.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 15 medicolegal autopsy cases.
- Cases involved sudden or suspicious deaths in hamams between January 1999 and December 2004.
Main Results:
- 13 out of 15 cases died from acute cardiac failure.
- Elderly individuals (over 65) were more vulnerable, particularly during winter months.
- Other recorded causes included pneumonia and acute pancreatitis.
Conclusions:
- Elderly individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions, such as coronary heart disease, face significant health risks in hamams.
- Medical consultation is advised for such individuals before using hot baths.
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