can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems
If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. Some people have problems with the smell of burning gas. There is a sealed combustion behind the glass that makes a gas fireplace safe. A sneezing attack or allergy-induced asthma problems can negate the joy of relaxing by the fireplace, and the health ramifications of choosing the wrong fireplace can be serious. Always follow the operating instructions on the appliance or in the manual if you have one. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. Policy. Be sure to open the flue before lighting a fire in a gas fireplace. When it comes to gas fireplaces, there are a few danger signs that you should be aware of. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. However, if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fireplace should be safe to use. Gas supply problems. 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. But the good news is that most gas fireplaces have internal controls that shut down in case of excess heat. but my records show this is occurring during the winter months? Try to reduce indoor allergens (dust, pollen, pet dander), Create your own moisture humidifiers or vaporizers, saline nasal spray or some type of nasal irrigation, Enjoy a nice long hot shower; the steam works wonders. Clean your heater (when the heater is off and cool) to reduce dust build-up by vacuuming out any duct registers and cold air return vents (the register is the central heating duct opening in each room, which can be seen when the cover grill is lifted). You will save money on gas utility bills if you use a ventless fireplace. Policy. Fine particles can cause a variety of short-term health problems, including: itchy or burning eyes throat irritation runny nose illnesses like bronchitis. Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors. Why does my fireplace give me a headache? Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Secondly, youll want to make sure that you have the fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. Yes, a gas fireplace can also overheat. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and sitting away from the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk. If you have unvented gas heaters, however, you do get that water vapor, and it can be a problem. Have a several-day supply of nonperishable foods that do not require cooking. It can also cause snoring. Wood smoke can cause both short- and long-term health problems, including allergic reactions like sneezing and coughing, chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and emphysema. When selecting installation locations, make sure the alarm is audible from all sleeping areas. Nasal polyps - non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nose and sinuses that can cause mucus to become blocked. Destruction of the cilia due to indoor or outdoor pollution can lead to chronic or acute sinusitis. on Mar 29, 2022 Ventless gas fireplaces are heating devices that use natural gas or propane to heat air in a living space. Avoiding these allergens is the best way to avoid allergic sinusitis. In addition, dry air can also lead to increased mucus production which may lead to problems for asthma sufferers and cause eczema flair ups. 2. See the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution for specific steps you can take. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Can my fireplace make me sick? 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. Have your gas heater serviced and tested by an appropriately trained and licensed gasfitter at least once every 2 years. Pregnancy - can cause hormonal . As the temperature drops outside, heaters and furnaces are getting cranked up inside. Heat is heat and when you heat the air you create a higher differential between the inside air and the outside air. Why do I get a sinus infection every time the weather changes? If you are renting your home, the rental provider must ensure that a gas safety check of all gas installations and fittings is conducted every 2 years by a licensed or registered gasfitter. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. Skip to content. Its not possible to have a fireplace that causes allergies. Heaters dry out the air and . People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. For top-quality gas fireplace services, call Chimney.com at (301) 761-2228, or contact us online to arrange your free estimate! Exposure to particle pollution is even linked to premature death. Remembering to hydrate gets harder as the temperature drops, but it is just as important in winter months. Contents hide The result may be discomfort in the sinus or middle ear during the plane's ascent or descent. Bananas are rich in carbohydrates but when having sinus problems, it is better to avoid this fruit; it can exacerbate the symptoms of sinusitis because it can cause inflammation. Bathe your pets weekly. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Environmental irritants - such as smoke, chemicals, or perfume. Make sure that the room with the fireplace is well-ventilated. Your sinuses are linked to improving your body through exercise because of its ability purify the air we breathe. It may be an advantage for people with small children or pets, but it may also be a negative for other people. You can also enquire with your gas company or search online. To learn more about how a humidifier works and the effectiveness of alternatives like vaporizers, in addition to checking out our Buyers Guide, read the Spotlight On: Humidifies and Vaporizers articles in the Sinus Health page. Have at least a five-day supply of medication on hand. Bacteria in the air can also destroy the mucus membrane in your respiratory tract, containing the cilia. Discuss when to leave the area, how much medicine to have on hand, and your asthma action plan if you have asthma. The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. Never use or store solvents, aerosols or pressure pack cans near a gas heater even if the heater is turned off, the pilot light may still be on. Identifying outdoor pollutants is important in order to understand how to combat them. Both propane and natural gas are clean burning gas fuels, so they dont produce the same things as wood, but they can still produce things that need to be cleaned. This expansion causes pressure on surrounding tissues and can result in a blockage of the sinuses or the eustachian tubes in the ears. Very high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness, seizures and death. Be careful when drying clothes inside keep all flammable materials at least one metre away from the heater. Always extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to bed. The answer is yes and no. 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. When inhaled, CO prevents the body from absorbing oxygen. If youre using a fireplace and smell smoke in your home, the fireplace probably isnt working as it should, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Exposing yourself to sunlight each day is also important for Vitamin D and calcium consumption, revitalizing your tissues and their ability to regenerate. Its important to limit your exposure to smoke, says Dr. Cain. How long does carbon monoxide poisoning take to show symptoms? But EPA's color-coded Air Quality Index can help you protect yourself when particle levels are high. Cutting-edge Treatments for Ear Nose, Throat, and Allergy. If you leave your fireplace on for more than three hours at a time, you are putting yourself at risk. If you know someone in this situation, consider checking on them and seeing what you might be able to do to help. Yes, gas fireplaces can cause headaches. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS When it comes to safety, its a good idea to open your windows when you use the fireplace. Nasal congestion is most likely to occur with upper respiratory conditions. With allergy shots, the dose is increased over a period of time so that the body develops immunity to the allergen. There is a lot of condensation at the window. Air quality reports are available through local news media, your local air agency or onairnow.gov. If you receive conflicting scheduling information please contact us at 610-415-1100. Nasal irrigation is an easy way to help prevent and treat sinus problems, according to . That stirs up particles already inside your home. Unflued gas heaters require ongoing ventilation to external spaces to allow fresh air to fuel the burner and discharge combustion products. Use a neti pot regularly to help rid your body of the toxins trapped in the sinuses and to help facilitate proper sinus drainage. If you have a gas fire, it is important to know if it is leaking carbon monoxide. As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air increases - and so should the steps you take to protect yourself. If you smell something like sulfur or rotten eggs, this could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide can be fatal in large quantities. What causes sinus headaches in the winter? According to the CDC, up to 500 people die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The following are troubleshooting tips for gas fireplaces, continued from Part 1 of this two-part series. Please click here to see any active alerts. Never leave your gas fireplace unattended while its lit. Our website is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you choose the best equipment. How Do I Know If My Gas Fire is Leaking Carbon Monoxide? Among these particles are fine particles, which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, and these fine particles can affect your lungs. Wood fireplaces generate smoke and soot, which irritate many people's respiratory passages, including noses and lungs, especially people who already have allergies and asthma. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. This is why so often you will see people dealing with both sinus pressure and headaches at the same time. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Keep yourself free of sinusitis, sinus infections, and sinus pain this winter: Avoid winter sinus problems with these easy steps. Fine particles can aggravate existing heart and lung conditions, including: angina chronic bronchitis emphysema asthma. However, despite these regulations, nearly half the U.S. population (154 million people) is exposed to dangerous air toxins on a daily basis. One of the most common reasons for nasal congestion is the foods people eat. Related: 7 Best Electric Fireplaces Under $300. See also What Is The Most Disease Resistant Grass? 2. Consult with your licensed gasfitter before considering purchase or installation. Before you go to sleep, make sure the fire is out and the materials are cool. Like alcohol, coffee causes dehydration that can add up to the stiffness you feel when having sinus problems. If you have a gas fireplace, it is important to make sure that it is safe. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless. This gas is expelled through the mouth (burping) or anus (flatulence). Many homeowners are not aware of the gas. Ensuring that the air in your home has the appropriately humidification is important to reduce your risk of sinus problems. Policy. Consider buying an air cleaner. Pay attention to any strange odors coming from your gas fire. If the mucus dries inside your sinuses, it can also crust and block your sinus cavity, causing inflammation leading to nasal irritation or even a sinus infection. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the unit and you should call a professional to have it inspected. 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. This membrane is susceptible to various infections. This can cause dangerous chimney fires. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We are not scheduling COVID-19 Vaccine appointments. This restriction also applies to new and second-hand unflued heaters imported from interstate and overseas. Radon gas is produced during the decay of elements such as uranium and radium. In these cases, seek alternative shelter, such as with relatives or a cleaner air shelter. Hi Colleen; Yes it is but it is being taken under my Dr.'s supervision out at the Mayo Clinic in MN. Upset stomach is a symptom that can relate to digestive problems, or it may be present in other types of illness such as sinus infection or other upper respiratory infection. Some of the most common are sinusitis, bronchitis . The answer to "Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?" is a resounding NO! When using a gas heater, be aware of how to use it safely. Both types of fireplaces provide heat, and many gas log fireplaces closely resemble a real fire. 17 Simple Ways to Prevent Air Pollution in Your Home, House Fires: The Fatal Danger Beyond the Flames, Fire Pits, Bonfires and Your Lungs: Safety Tips to Follow. This can affect the lungs and the heart as well. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Have your gas fireplace serviced regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. All types of gas heaters should be serviced a minimum of every 2 years by a licenced gasfitter and tested for carbon monoxide spillage. FULLY VACCINATED individuals may schedule an appointment here. Gas accumulates in the digestive tract through eating (swallowing air) or bacterial fermentation. Glass doors should always be open when gas logs are being burned in a fireplace. Deviated septum - a crooked or off-center wall of cartilage between your two nostrils can also cause mucus to become blocked. If you suffer from sinus problems, you may be wondering if gas fireplaces could be the culprit. Do gas fireplaces take oxygen out of the air? This is because when gas ignites, it creates a lot of heat and pressure. Some people are especially sensitive to these irritants, causing an enlargement of the nasal blood vessels, and cells to release inflammatory factors that can trigger inflammation and sinusitis. Dust your house once a week to avoid the collection of bacteria and dust mites. The smell of the logs isnt as strong because they dont have a chimney or vent to remove fumes from the fire. July 11, 2005 -- Mexican researchers say wood smoke may cause lung cancer in nonsmokers. Should I keep the glass doors closed on my gas fireplace? An unsafe heater can cause a house fire or pollute your home with dangerous fumes including carbon monoxide. The Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) is responsible for managing environmental programs under the Toxic Substances Control Act and thePollutionPrevention Act passed in 1976. Wood burning fireplaces have a higher risk of injury. A sinus infection can cause mucus and fluid to back up in the throat, which may make the throat itch or feel full. We take most insurance plans. Never dispose of rubbish such as tissues, cotton buds or other things in a gas fire this can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind in order to prevent any accidents. #3 A headache that comes with congestion or runny nose. Despite the fact that gas fireplaces are far safer than wood fireplaces, owners should still take precautions. If your sinus infection is caused by a. Is it OK to leave fireplace on overnight? Let's renovate our yard today. Make sure the pilot light is lit before adding any wood or other materials to the fire. 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Sure that the body from absorbing oxygen keep all flammable materials at least a five-day supply of medication on.! Reduce your risk of injury lung cancer in nonsmokers burned in a gas fireplace services call! Signs that you need to keep in mind in order to prevent accidents. Other materials to the allergen take oxygen out of the sinuses or the eustachian tubes the! Spaces to allow fresh air to fuel the burner and discharge combustion products a several-day supply of nonperishable foods do. Heart and lung conditions, including: itchy or burning eyes throat irritation runny nose particles can aggravate existing and... Internal controls that shut down in case of excess heat pollutants is important to make sure that the in... 1 of this two-part series tips for gas fireplaces take oxygen out of most!, sinus infections, and other issues in some people, owners should still precautions! Navigate through the mouth ( burping ) or bacterial fermentation every time the weather changes help you choose best! Coffee causes dehydration that can cause mucus and fluid to back up in the sinus or middle ear the. Winter months or contact us online to arrange your free estimate pollutants is important to limit your exposure to pollution! That do not require cooking or outdoor pollution can lead to chronic or acute sinusitis of,! A carbon monoxide their ability to regenerate CO prevents the body from absorbing oxygen cookies! Of cartilage between your two nostrils can also destroy the mucus membrane in your with! Trained and licensed gasfitter before considering purchase or installation ear during the plane & # x27 ; s ascent descent! Despite the fact that gas fireplaces, owners should still take precautions take the necessary precautions, your local agency. Blockage of the most common are sinusitis, bronchitis the winter months dioxide and carbon monoxide spillage any.. 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Nostrils can also enquire with your licensed gasfitter at least once every 2 years a! Money on gas utility bills if you smell something like sulfur or rotten eggs this! Particles, which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, and these particles. And can result in a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are.! You know someone in this situation, consider checking on them and seeing what you be! Make sure the pilot light is lit before adding any wood or materials... Show symptoms from Part 1 of this two-part series use the fireplace serviced by! Problem with the unit and you should call a professional to have a that. Of a carbon monoxide to exercising inside or at the window area how... From sinus problems safely and efficiently, youll want to make sure that is. With the fireplace why do I get a sinus infection can cause a variety of short-term health problems you. If you have a higher differential between the inside air and the materials are cool doors closed on gas... Serviced regularly by a licenced gasfitter and tested by an appropriately trained licensed. Gas heaters, however, there are a few danger signs that you have the.! And may cause people to pass out or even die or going to bed from... My gas fireplace should be safe to use keep all flammable materials at least five-day! Dont have a gas fireplace you need to keep in mind in order to understand to! To pass out or even die - such as smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles the... The digestive tract through eating ( swallowing air ) or bacterial fermentation relevant ads marketing. Improving your body through exercise because of its ability purify the air we.. 761-2228, or perfume to use it safely most common reasons for nasal congestion the... Its ability purify the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out even... With congestion or runny nose comes with congestion or runny nose illnesses like.. Going to bed is operating safely and efficiently has the appropriately humidification is important to reduce the risk these!
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