[The effect of the Finnish dry sauna on bronchial asthma in childhood]

More than 400,000 sauna baths have been built in Germany. Frequently, children with bronchial asthma and their parents raise the question whether sauna bathing might be hazardous for the lungs. In present study the effects of sauna bathing on the ventilation have been evaluated by use of peak-flow meters. Only one 12-years old girl suffered an attack of bronchial asthma while using a cold shower, probably as a result of breathing cold air. No other complications have been observed. Sauna bathing can be recommended for children with bronchial asthma, since advantages in the resistance against infections and in psychosocial development can be expected.