Sitting in a hot bath or jacuzzi for an extended period of time can have various effects on the body. While a warm soak can be relaxing and therapeutic, staying in hot water for too long can cause the body’s core temperature to rise excessively and lead to dangerous health consequences.
Short-Term Effects
Some of the short-term effects of sitting in hot water for too long include:
- Overheating – As the body’s core temperature rises, you may begin to feel lightheaded, dizzy, or nauseous. This is the body’s way of signaling that you need to get out and cool down.
- Dehydration – Hot water causes sweating, which can quickly lead to dehydration if fluids are not replaced.
- Low blood pressure – The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lower blood pressure and lead to fainting.
- Skin burns – Prolonged exposure to hot water can cause painful redness and skin burns, especially on the extremities.
- Exhaustion and fatigue – The body has to work much harder to keep the core temperature stable in hot water, which can result in exhaustion.
If any of these symptoms are experienced, it’s important to get out of the hot water immediately to prevent the effects from worsening.
Long-Term Dangers
Sitting in hot tubs or baths for longer than 10-15 minutes at a time can also have some dangerous long-term health consequences:
- Damage to heart – Excessive heat raises heart rate and blood pressure. This extra strain on the cardiovascular system can increase risk of heart attack or stroke in some individuals.
- Hyperthermia – If core body temperature exceeds 104°F, it can lead to hyperthermia, which is a dangerous condition that requires emergency medical treatment.
- Infertility – Frequent hot tub use has been linked to reduced sperm count and motility in men. It may also disrupt normal menstrual cycles in women.
- Birth defects – Pregnant women who use hot tubs excessively may be at higher risk of certain birth defects according to some studies.
- Neurological effects – Heat exposure can make symptoms of certain neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis worse in some people.
Who is Most at Risk?
Certain individuals are more susceptible to the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to hot water:
- Infants and young children – Babies and toddlers are at greater risk since their bodies heat up much faster compared to adults.
- Elderly people – The body’s ability to regulate temperature properly declines with age, putting seniors at increased risk.
- People with chronic illnesses – Those with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity may experience health complications sooner.
- Alcohol drinkers – Alcohol consumption and hot tub use can be a dangerous combination due to increased risk of dehydration and arrhythmias.
- Pregnant women – Heat exposure can be risky for the developing fetus, especially in early pregnancy.
Safe Hot Tub and Bath Use
Here are some tips to enjoy hot tubs and baths safely without overheating:
- Limit soak time to 10-15 minutes max, and take breaks in between longer sessions.
- Lower the temperature – Water between 100-102°F is safest. Get out immediately if feeling dizzy or sleepy.
- Stay hydrated – Drink water before, during and after to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid alcohol and medications – The combination with heat can be dangerous.
- Listen to your body – Monitor yourself and get out if feeling uncomfortable or exerted.
- Bathe with a partner – They can monitor you and get help if you experience any problems.
Groups Who Should Avoid Hot Tubs
The following groups should exercise caution or avoid getting in hot tubs completely due to health risks:
| Group | Reason for Caution |
|---|---|
| Pregnant women | Risk of birth defects from overheating |
| Young children | More sensitive to heat, risk of burns |
| Elderly | Impaired temperature regulation |
| Heart disease patients | Strain on cardiovascular system |
| Diabetics | Heat alters insulin absorption |
| People taking medications | Medication interactions with heat |
Pregnant women, in particular, should keep hot tub use to an absolute minimum due to risks of congenital disabilities from getting overheated in early pregnancy.
Emergency Action if Overheated
If you or someone else appears severely overheated after sitting in hot water for too long, emergency action should be taken immediately:
- Get the person out of the hot tub or bath right away.
- Call emergency medical services if they seem dizzy, confused or lose consciousness.
- Try to lower body temperature – apply cool, wet cloths, use fans, mist with cool water.
- Don’t give anything by mouth if they are very disoriented or combative.
- If breathing stops or they go into cardiac arrest, perform CPR until paramedics arrive.
Treating severe overheating quickly can help prevent permanent organ damage or even death. Don’t hesitate to call 911 if someone’s condition seems to be rapidly deteriorating after getting out of a hot bath or jacuzzi.
Conclusion
Sitting in hot water can have therapeutic benefits, but too much time in hot tubs or baths poses serious health risks. Limit soak time to 10-15 minutes, stay hydrated, lower the temperature, and monitor yourself carefully for signs of overheating. Certain high-risk groups like pregnant women and young children should exercise extreme caution or avoid hot water immersion altogether. Pay attention to warning signs and get emergency help immediately if someone appears severely overheated after bathing.