(920) 310-3675 
Medical Disclaimer
Consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before making any changes to your healthcare routine. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the internet.
What is the Impact of Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergies can feel like invasive, sneeze-producing disruptions causing headaches, inflammation and light sensitivity. For millions of sufferers, the condition is truly debilitating. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergic rhinitis affects 40 to 60 million Americans. Commonly referred to as hay fever, this form of allergy triggers sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion and watery eyes. While seasonal allergens like pollen and mold spores are typical culprits, year-round triggers include pet dander, dust mites and environmental pollutants like smog and cleaning products. The Department of Biomedical Engineering has reported allergic rhinitis as the sixth most common chronic illness worldwide, with an estimated $5.6 billion spent annually on treatment and indirect costs.
Diagnosing Your Allergy Triggers
To properly manage allergies, diagnosis is key. An allergist may ask lifestyle questions, recommend tests or perform a skin test, which is the simplest and most cost-effective method for identifying allergens. Once triggers are known, treatment may involve avoidance strategies, immunotherapy or medication. Studies have also explored the benefits of infrared sauna use for relieving chronic allergy symptoms, offering another potential tool for patients seeking long-term relief.
Benefits of Infrared Heat to Treat Allergies
Good Health Saunas’ infrared saunas provide a unique environment to support allergy relief. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared heat warms the body directly, promoting circulation and stimulating sweat at lower, more comfortable temperatures. Sauna sessions help reduce inflammation, open pores and relax the body, which may ease itchiness and discomfort. Customizable heat settings allow users to control intensity, while 360° heater placement delivers even heat penetration without constant repositioning.
In one study by the Department of Biomedical Engineering, 31 allergy patients received infrared light treatment for 40 minutes daily over seven days. Participants recorded noticeable improvements in sneezing, nasal congestion and itching, with no adverse effects reported. Researchers concluded infrared heat may serve as a supportive therapy for allergic rhinitis.
Strengthening Nasal Flow and Lung Function
Infrared sauna use may also benefit the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which influences immune responses in allergy sufferers. A study from the School of Physical Therapy at Khon Kaen University in Thailand measured lung function and nasal inspiratory flow over a six-week infrared sauna program. Twenty-six patients with allergic rhinitis participated, with the treatment group showing significant improvements in respiratory volume, nasal airflow and heart rate variability compared to controls.
The study’s findings suggest repeated sauna use can positively influence ANS activity, improve breathing and enhance overall quality of life for those living with allergies.