Enjoying a warm bath is a wonderful way to relax after a long day, but many may not realize how a soothing soak can quickly become dangerous.
This week, it was reported that a couple tragically died following a celebration for their daughter's birthday. This heartbreaking incident has raised concerns about how a bath can become fatal and who may be at risk.
Jeferson Luiz Sagaz and Ana Carolina Silva were celebrating their daughter's fourth birthday at a food park with drinks.
The Brazilian nail salon owner was found deceased alongside her husband in their motel bathtub.
Military police officer Jeferson Luiz Sagaz, 37, and his partner Ana Carolina Silva, 41, a nail salon owner, were discovered dead in a motel suite after celebrating their daughter's fourth birthday.
After spending the day at a food park and consuming drinks, they later visited a nightclub and checked into the Dallas Motel in São José.
The following day, they did not pick up their daughter, who had been staying with Jeferson's sister, and the couple was found lifeless in the motel bathtub, where investigators reported the water temperature reached 50°C.
A space heater in the room was also found to be set to high.
Toxicology tests indicated very high levels and traces of cocaine in the couple's systems.
The cause of both deaths has been identified as “exogenous poisoning”—the harmful effects of substances entering the body from an external source—along with heatstroke, which may result from intense dehydration and collapse due to heat, leading to organ failure and death.
Earlier this year, another tragic incident occurred when a woman fell unconscious in a hot tub at a motel room.
Gabriele Cristine Barreto de Freitas, 24, suffered severe burns all over her body when she awoke screaming. She later succumbed to agonizing third-degree burns caused by cardiac arrest.
The mother of one had been at a motel in Curitiba, in the Brazilian state of Paraná, with a man she met at a party.
While bathing is generally safe and beneficial for hygiene and relaxation, it is crucial to be aware of the serious health risks associated with soaking in water that is excessively hot.
HEART OF THE MATTER
Understanding your body's response to hot baths is essential for recognizing potential risks.
Ruth Goss, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, tells Sun Health: “Taking a hot bath can cause your blood vessels to dilate, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure.
“For most individuals, this is a normal physiological response and can even feel calming.
“However, if you have a heart condition or are on medication for high or low blood pressure, it’s crucial to exercise caution.
“Sudden temperature changes can put additional strain on your heart, potentially causing dizziness or fainting.
“We always recommend that individuals with cardiovascular concerns consult their healthcare provider or cardiac nurse before using hot tubs or taking very hot baths, especially if they have experienced angina, heart issues, or low blood pressure.”
Dr. Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy warns that this stress on the heart, particularly in individuals with heart issues or significantly blocked arteries, can elevate the risk of a heart attack, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Children, young adults, and the elderly are at a higher risk from hot baths, Dr. Lee adds.
She also cautions: “Patients with cardiovascular disease should avoid excessively hot baths, stay well-hydrated while bathing, and limit their time in hot water.”
DEADLY HEAT
Investigators determined that the water in the couple’s bathtub had reached 50°C.
Another health issue that can arise from taking excessively hot baths is heatstroke, which occurs when a person's body temperature exceeds 40°C.
Dr. Lee emphasizes: “Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It can cause irreversible damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, and can be fatal if not treated promptly and effectively.
“Be vigilant for symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, excessive thirst, sweating, and nausea.”
If you experience these symptoms while bathing, you should exit the tub and immediately add cold water to lower the temperature, Dr. Lee advises.
She adds: “If you feel dizzy, sit down, perhaps on the toilet seat, and lower your head between your knees.
“Also, open the window to let cool air into the bathroom.”
