Effects of Russian Bath
The general effects of this bath are about the same as of the Turkish or hot-air bath, and it has about the same contra¬indications. In all cases of chronic rheumatism and uricaci-demia the steam bath is exceedingly useful. It also affords great temporary relief in cases of acute bronchial catarrh (acute bronchial cold), and, if the cooling-off is accomplished properly, the relief may be permanent.
This requires that the cooling be prolonged, not sudden. Other conditions in which this bath is of value are diabetes uncomplicated with heart disease or heart weakness, general toxemia, and some skin diseases. Both the Russian and Turkish bath are sometimes used in the treatment of obesity, in lupus, syphilis and chronic alcoholism. The Russian bath is not so enervating as the Turk¬ish bath, and, as a rule, can be taken occasionally with benefit by those who are below normal weight. One objection to the vapor bath not noticed in the hot-air bath is embarrassment of breathing when the head is included in the bath, though many people are not affected in this way.
There are some other objections to both the Russian and Turkish baths, which are referred to in the discussion of the latter. See Turkish Bath, Hot Air Cabinet Bath. This bath should not be used in cases of fever, well-advanced Bright’s disease, tuberculosis of the lungs, hardening of the arteries, or heart disease or weakness.