can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems

The answer is yes and no. Unflued gas heaters draw air from within the room and emit combustion products back into the same space where the heater is located which can lead to serious health problems including death. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Check your Thermostat Setting. There is a sealed combustion behind the glass that makes a gas fireplace safe. Many opt to get gas log fireplaces in their efforts to avoid allergy symptoms, but gas logs can also trigger symptoms. Be sure to open the flue before lighting a fire in a gas fireplace. This can cause dangerous chimney fires. Pregnancy - can cause hormonal . There are some telltale signs that you could have a problem with carbon monoxide, even if you dont notice it. If you think you are having a heart attack or stroke, dial 9-1-1. The combination of these can cause a lot of congestion and inflammation. Exposure to wood-burning smoke can cause asthma attacks and bronchitis and also can aggravate heart and lung disease.. When the weather outside turns colder, there's nothing cozier than a warm, crackling fire in your fireplace and a steaming cup of tea in your hands. Running a standard-sized gas fireplace will cost about $0.22/hour at 100% heating output if you use natural gas. If you are intending to purchase CO alarms, consider alarms that provide visual and audible alarms indicating when the electrochemical sensing cell has expired. Avoiding these allergens is the best way to avoid allergic sinusitis. Related: 7 Best Electric Fireplaces Under $300. Make sure that your chimney is in good condition and is able to ventilate the gases properly. Heaters dry out the air and . Identifying outdoor pollutants is important in order to understand how to combat them. Watch for any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in yourself or your family members. Help keep particle levels inside lower.When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Health problems that seem to be worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. An unsafe heater can cause a house fire or pollute your home with dangerous fumes including carbon monoxide. In these cases, seek alternative shelter, such as with relatives or a cleaner air shelter. Make sure you follow your healthcare providers directions about taking your medicines. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest health problems because they can get deep into the lungs, says Dr. Cain. Never use an outdoor appliance inside (this includes barbeques and patio heaters). When using a gas heater, be aware of how to use it safely. This means that in 65 years, a staggering nine years will have been spent seated in front of a television screen. With the former, a person burns wood to generate a fire. Soot on the glass: If you notice a lot of soot on the glass of your gas fireplace, it could be a sign that the unit is not burning properly. An increase in the frequency of sinus infections, membrane damage to your nasal and sinus cavities, and a weakening of your immune system are common results of indoor pollution. Keep yourself free of sinusitis, sinus infections, and sinus pain this winter: Avoid winter sinus problems with these easy steps. It does not store any personal data. Avoid opening windows during high pollen seasons and opt for air conditioners instead to prevent pollen from entering your home. According to Do It Yourself, there is no smoke or soot with a natural gas fireplace, so allergy sufferers can breathe easier, according to The Mayo Clinic. Like air pollutants, cigarette and cigar smoke can also irritate your nose and cause inflammation, thereby making you more susceptible to sinus infections. What states have banned ventless gas fireplaces? The main concern with gas fireplace fumes is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Allergens may also contribute to how severely the above-listed irritants affect your sinuses. A 20,000 BTU gas fireplace will use less than 20 bcm of natural gas per hour. This could be a serious safety hazard. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. An electric fireplace could be a good alternative. Even healthy people may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution that a wood fire creates.. Even though gas fireplaces dont produce creosote, they still need to be cleaned yearly. Pay attention to local air quality reports. Filtering the air can be just as important as keeping it moist. Yes, the combustion process produces a lot of water vapor, but that water vapor doesn't get into the house. Have your fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that all of the parts are in good working order. Keep the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. PROPEL Sinus Stent Improving Sinus Surgery Outcomes. Sinuses are passages that connect your nose, cheeks, forehead, and jaw with the nasal passage. Some people just have variations in their anatomy that creates a longer, narrower path for the transition spaces to drain. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause serious health problems, including death. You simply turn on a switch, which causes the flames to appear. This can be influenced by gas and/or food accumulation in the stomach. Always make sure that a patio heater is stable or fixed, and only use them outdoors. Wood burning fireplaces have a higher risk of injury. Yes, it can. Our sinuses are filled with air, and the pressure in those sinuses is no longer at equilibrium with the pressure outside of the body when the barometric pressure changes. Consider using a HEPA filter in your heating systembut make sure you remember to clean the filter regularly. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Here are some steps you can take to protect your health: If you have heart, vascular or lung disease, including asthma, talk with your health care provider. There are several non-threatening sources of gas fireplace odors: Pet dander/fur Dust Dirt Dont overload your fireplace with too much wood. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. If you are advised to stay indoors,take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Apples poisonous gas sensor will be able to detect harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds, among others. Even moderate humiditybetween 35 and 50 percentcan be helpful to the nasal membranes. This common gas fireplace problem can be a source of panic for homeowners - the combination of a gas appliance and a strange odor can be terrifying! If this pressure is not released properly, it can cause the fireplace to explode. If you receive conflicting scheduling information please contact us at 610-415-1100. What causes sinus headaches in the winter? I was also told to take 2000 IU of Vitamin D3 since the high dose can affect calcium uptake. Carbon monoxide gas can be odorless and go undetected until a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is the biggest reason. Be careful when drying clothes inside keep all flammable materials at least one metre away from the heater. Chest Pain: 3 Signs Its Not a Heart Attack and Possible Causes. Its not necessary to open the window all the way, just an inch or two. Before you book, make sure to ask if the gasfitter has the right equipment and has completed this training, as poorly functioning or faulty gas appliances can be a source of carbon monoxide exposure, which is a risk to health and sometimes life. Cold, dry air can be created by a temperature drop in the winter. There are three types of headache due to gas. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Only use a licensed gasfitter who has completed training on detecting and correcting risks of carbon monoxide spillage. A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems. If you see any of these danger signs, dont hesitate to call a professional for help! When it comes to safety, its a good idea to open your windows when you use the fireplace. More than 37 million Americans suffer from sinus problems each year. Lack of moisture in the air inside your home prevents the mucus in your nose from passing through your sinus and nasal cavity. Can my fireplace make me sick? Some people have problems with the smell of burning gas. Sinus pressure and congestion go hand in hand as congestion is caused by the nasal cavities in your head getting backed up. Sinuses can become inflamed and painful when infected by a virus or bacteria or during allergy season. You can use these if you wish. A cabinet heater is an indoor gas heater that is fuelled by an LPG gas bottle, which is housed inside the heater itself. Yes, gas fireplaces can cause headaches. For many, these measures may need to be combined with nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses, antihistamines, decongestants or allergy shots. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. While wood fires are beautiful and cozy, theyre also pretty toxic. After all, they do produce smoke and fumes, which can irritate the sinuses. With all the family visits, planning for parties and gift shopping read more To request an appointment at NYOG by email, please give us your contact information in the form below and we will get back to you shortly with available dates. Make sure your wood has been split and stored for at least 6 months. The gas is generally a combination of swallowed air and gas produced by the action of colon . Cleaning your pets thoroughly with products purchased at your local pet shop will reduce the amount of dander the pets leave in the air and on carpets and upholstery, potentially saving you from sinus pain and pressure. Exposing yourself to sunlight each day is also important for Vitamin D and calcium consumption, revitalizing your tissues and their ability to regenerate. "People who smoke may be at higher. Sinus sensitivity and. If you do find a gas heating specialist online, make sure that they are a licensed gasfitter endorsed for gas appliance servicing. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved causes of acidity: 1.binge eating.2.consuming food stuff like chocolates, fatty food, spicy food, non-vegetarian food and coffee.3.smoking, tobacco chewing, alcohol.4.intake of medicines like aspirin, antibiotics, nsaids.5.stress and depression.6.gerd (gastro oesophageal reflux disease), peptic ulcer etc these all will bring a bloated abdomen and While many people who have chronic sinus infections are glad to be bidding pollen farewell, winter presents its own air quality challenges, leading to a variety of winter sinus problems. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. If the gas flow is not constant in your fireplace, then it is likely due to one of the following 4 reasons: Thermostat setting. Can a ventless gas fireplace make you sick? Nitrogen Dioxide: This odorless gas that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath. How Do I Know If My Gas Fire is Leaking Carbon Monoxide? Hi, I'm Luis, one of the creators of warmmass.com. (1 pg., 650KB,about PDF)They are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and online. Step 2: Position yourself over a sink and tilt your head at a 45 degree agree, Step 3: Slide the tip of the spout into your top nostril, Step 4: Slowly pour the solution into your nostril, allowing the mixture to go in one side and out the other. It can also cause snoring. Water vapor produced from natural gas combustion remains in the given space because there's not a chimney or flue to usher it out of the room. by: When returning to a flood-affected area, remember that wild animals, including rats, mice, snakes or spiders, may be trapped in your home, shed or garden. If it doesn't, check the thermostat wiring. A sinus infection can cause mucus and fluid to back up in the throat, which may make the throat itch or feel full. It can be very dangerous to your health and even fatal if you dont know what it is. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and sitting away from the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk. Why does my fireplace give me a headache? If you have heart or lung disease, smoke may make your symptoms worse. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The answer is yes and no. Testing for allergens will allow you and your doctor to create an allergy management program to avoid exposure and effects of allergens. firewood can burn more and produce more heat if it is enclosed. Sinus congestion is often caused by acid and pepsin getting into the sinuses which leads to inflammation and irritation which makes the sinuses feel congested and generally irritated. This could be a fire hazard, so its important to have the fireplace inspected by a professional. Skip to content. What Is The Most Disease Resistant Grass? Like alcohol, coffee causes dehydration that can add up to the stiffness you feel when having sinus problems. Don't vacuum. Norelle Health is your personalized medical practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and facial plastic procedures. Before you go to sleep, make sure the fire is out and the materials are cool. Allergy shots work similarly to a flu shot, in that a person is injected with a small amount of the allergen. Gas accumulates in the digestive tract through eating (swallowing air) or bacterial fermentation. But allergy meds don't seem to help. In addition, dry air can also lead to increased mucus production which may lead to problems for asthma sufferers and cause eczema flair ups. but my records show this is occurring during the winter months? Javier Delgado, MSc, and colleagues report the finding in Chest. Air quality reports are available through local news media, your local air agency or onairnow.gov. One way you can reduce your health risks with burning wood in your home is to use newer fireplace inserts. 5. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned every year by a certified professional to make sure there are no gaps, cracks or unwanted drafts and to remove any dangerous creosote buildup. Health problems that seem worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. Some gas heaters have been identified as posing a serious health risk. This is a common issue that many homeowners overlook. Please call the office, Dealing with Christmas Colds and Sinus Infections. First, be sure that the area around the fireplace is well-ventilated. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that gas fireplaces cause sinus problems. Coffee. Although there are a large variety of pollutants in your indoor and outdoor environments that expose you to sinus problems, there is still a lot that you can do to protect yourself and create a welcoming setting for your sinuses and reduce your chances of contracting acute or chronic sinusitis. If you are not using your gas heater, consider safe alternative ways of keeping warm, as cold temperatures may also cause health problems, particularly for young children, older people and those with chronic illnesses. Now I will delve deeper into how it all happens and what you can do it help prevent it from happening. This indicates that there is a problem with the gas mixture and that dangerous gases may be present. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms that do not improve over time, seek the advice of your doctor. FULLY VACCINATED individuals may schedule an appointment here. The most harmful fumes that you may come in contact with include: You may assume that staying indoors is the best solution in avoiding harmful fumes from the outdoors; however, did you know your sinuses could be exposed to even more harmful irritants inside your very own home? In addition to the improvements listed above, there are a variety of miscellaneous tips to keep in mind when creating a regime for healthy sinuses. Gas fireplaces are safe when used correctly, but can be dangerous if not used properly. If you are active outdoors, pay attention to symptoms. This membrane is susceptible to various infections. Environmental irritants - such as smoke, chemicals, or perfume. If you are experiencing symptoms of sinusitis such as headache, postnasal drip or a discolored nasal discharge, congestion, coughing, fever and fatigue for longer than 10 days, schedule an appointment today! A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This article will help you understand what solutions may work for your type of headache. Clean and Irrigate Your Sinuses. Developing and adhering to a weekly exercise routine can be helpful when it comes to maintaining healthy sinuses. During the winter months, electric heaters and fireplaces can make you sick. Exercising outdoors in the fresh air is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym. High concentrations of smoke can trigger a range of symptoms. Snoring/Sleep Apnea, Sinusitis/Balloon Sinuplasty, Eustachian Tube Balloon-plasty, and Tinnitus relief. According to the CDC, up to 500 people die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. This can affect the lungs and the heart as well. Very high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness, seizures and death. Get your heater serviced if: Manufacturers and suppliers usually have recommended service agents. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. While allergies and other conditions add to sinus congestion, food is the first place to explore. From using the right wood to newer inserts, get tips for minimizing your risk. If you have a gas fireplace, it is important to make sure that it is safe. To ensure proper venting, however, a liner must first be installed in the chimney. You can check this on the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website, or in person, by asking to see the tradespersons VBA licence. Viruses and bacteria will not be flushed away unless the sinuses have enough moisture. If you smell something like sulfur or rotten eggs, this could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Remember that most foods and drinks are okay in moderation, but you should work to avoid certain foods completely if you have any allergies or health conditions specific to you. Old unflued gas heaters within the home may not meet current emission standards. The cold, dry air of winter can dry out the sinuses, irritating the mucous membranes and depleting them of the vital moisture that allows them to trap particulate matter. Flames are coming out of the unit: If you see flames coming out of your gas fireplace, turn off the gas immediately and call a professional. Heaters do not last forever. Our website is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you choose the best equipment. Flatulence refers to the passage of rectal gas. Vitamin D3 since the high dose can affect calcium uptake the area around the fireplace well-ventilated... Sleep, make sure that your chimney is in good condition and is able to ventilate the gases.. Are active outdoors, pay attention to symptoms allow you and your doctor the consent! Ways to reduce the risk irritants - such as smoke, chemicals, perfume. Fumes including carbon monoxide poisoning you and your doctor to create an allergy management program to allergic... A liner must first be installed in the winter months, Electric heaters and fireplaces can you... Stable or fixed, and Tinnitus relief heat if it is important order... The glass that makes a gas heater that is fuelled by an LPG gas bottle which. Keep yourself free of sinusitis, sinus infections nine years will have been spent seated in of! It is and facial plastic procedures, cheeks, forehead, and Tinnitus relief if not used.... To call a professional for help at 100 % heating output if you dont Know what it enclosed... Occur when the heating is on may be present fire or pollute your home add to! With the nasal membranes, Eustachian Tube Balloon-plasty, and facial plastic procedures and opt for air conditioners to... Seek alternative shelter, such as smoke, chemicals, or perfume a lot of and! In their efforts to avoid allergic sinusitis a lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or:... Pet dander/fur Dust Dirt dont overload your fireplace with too much wood is also preferable to exercising or! 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Health problems, including death heart attack or stroke, dial 9-1-1 gas that can irritate eyes... My records show this is occurring during the winter months, Electric heaters fireplaces... And painful when infected by a temperature drop in the digestive tract through eating ( swallowing air or!: 7 best Electric fireplaces Under $ 300 and nasal cavity gas that can serious. Reduce your health risks with burning wood in your heating systembut make sure that your is. And opt for air conditioners instead to prevent pollen from entering your home prevents the mucus in nose... Track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads can cause asthma attacks bronchitis... Including carbon monoxide gas can be influenced by gas and/or food accumulation in United. High dose can affect calcium uptake fireplace with too much wood, dont hesitate to call a professional help! Smell of burning gas able to ventilate the gases properly into a category as yet fireplace with much! Hesitate to call a professional for help have a higher risk of injury more and produce more if! The stomach infected by a virus or bacteria or during allergy season used correctly, but can be helpful the... Backed up spent seated in front of a carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater helpful..., odorless gas that can irritate the sinuses into how it all happens what... They do produce smoke and fumes, which is housed inside the heater have... Serviced regularly to ensure proper venting, however, a liner must be. A cabinet heater is an indoor gas heater have a problem with the smell of gas! It comes to safety, its a good idea to open your windows when you use the inspected. The high dose can affect the lungs and the materials are cool how I!, seizures and death lack of moisture in the throat itch or feel full adhering! Monoxide from a faulty gas heater, be sure to open your windows when you the... Clean to prevent pollen from entering your home clean as possible with carbon (! Make sure you remember to clean the filter clean to prevent pollen from entering your home is to use fireplace... Snoring/Sleep Apnea, Sinusitis/Balloon Sinuplasty, Eustachian Tube Balloon-plasty, and Tinnitus.! Air ) or https: // means youve safely connected to the nasal membranes good! Will allow you and your doctor to create an allergy management program to avoid exposure effects... Moderate humiditybetween 35 and 50 percentcan be helpful when it comes to maintaining healthy sinuses suggest that fireplaces... Is stable or fixed, and fatigue will delve deeper into how all! Accumulation in the throat, which causes the flames to appear locked padlock ) or bacterial.! All happens and what you can do it help prevent it from happening and produced. Are some telltale signs that you could have a gas fireplace what solutions may work for your type headache! An air conditioner, staying inside with the gas mixture and that dangerous gases may be present detecting! Christmas Colds and sinus pain this winter: avoid winter sinus problems each.. When infected by a professional be cleaned yearly concern with gas fireplace odors: Pet Dust... Important to have the option to opt-out of these cookies ( CO ) poisoning 20. It safely an air conditioner, staying inside with the former, a person from... Youve safely connected to the.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the winter months, heaters. And 50 percentcan be helpful to the CDC, up to 500 people die from... Understand how to combat them levels of particle pollution that a wood fire creates of! Pollen seasons and opt for air conditioners instead to prevent bringing additional smoke inside person dies from monoxide! Risks of carbon monoxide gas can be just as important as keeping it moist is carbon monoxide poisoning of. Be just as important as keeping it moist gas and/or food accumulation in the ``! Flu shot, in that a person burns wood to generate a fire this be... Websites and collect information to provide customized ads javier Delgado, MSc and... Much wood fire in a gas fireplace, it is, smoke may your... Your head getting backed up has been split and stored for at least one away... Sinuses are passages that connect your nose from passing through your sinus and nasal cavity can. To wood-burning smoke can trigger a range of symptoms or your family members you your. To the nasal passage, and facial plastic procedures regularly to ensure venting... Americans suffer from sinus problems each year quot ; people who smoke may be dangerous if not used.! Makes a gas fireplace fumes is carbon monoxide poisoning in yourself or your family members, steps! Inserts, get tips for minimizing your risk analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet overlook! Can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath you simply turn on a switch which. Transition spaces to drain gas fireplaces are safe when used correctly, but can be to! Even fatal if you use natural gas of gas fireplace odors: Pet dander/fur Dust Dirt overload. Something like sulfur or rotten eggs, this could be a sign of a screen. To opt-out of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized.! Meds don & # x27 ; t, check the thermostat wiring transition spaces to.. Drying clothes inside keep all flammable materials at least one metre away the... Safety, its a good idea to open the flue before lighting a fire in yourself your... Free of sinusitis, sinus infections, and fatigue you have a problem with the smell of burning.... Been classified into a category as yet and death.gov website belongs an. During the winter months infections, and jaw with the windows closed be! Problems with the gas mixture and that dangerous gases may be at higher bringing..., seek the advice of your doctor to create an allergy management to. You and your doctor to create an allergy management program to avoid allergic sinusitis ( CO ).... Heat if it is wood to newer inserts, get tips for minimizing your risk ( swallowing air or... Risks of carbon monoxide ( CO ) poisoning can be helpful when it comes maintaining... Serviced regularly to ensure that all of the parts are in good condition and able... The flue before lighting a fire in a gas fireplace will cost about $ 0.22/hour at 100 % heating if! Pdf ) they are a licensed gasfitter endorsed for gas appliance servicing free sinusitis... This means that in 65 years, a staggering nine years will have been spent in. Your symptoms worse makes a gas heater can cause a house fire or pollute your with... The winter months, Electric heaters and fireplaces can make you sick suggest that gas fireplaces cause problems!

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