More than 37 million Americans suffer from sinus problems each year. Only use a licensed gasfitter who has completed training on detecting and correcting risks of carbon monoxide spillage. One way you can reduce your health risks with burning wood in your home is to use newer fireplace inserts. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are dangerous. If you suffer from sinus problems, you may be wondering if gas fireplaces could be the culprit. There are three types of headache due to gas. Policy. Ventless gas fireplaces are highly beneficial and also cost less than traditional furnaces and heaters. When choosing between wood-burning fireplaces and gas logs, there is probably no perfect choice that will eradicate the risk of triggering allergies and breathing harmful substances. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure and seek medical attention if necessary. What can I do to treat and prevent dry sinuses? Consider using a HEPA filter in your heating systembut make sure you remember to clean the filter regularly. If it reads less, then the thermopile should be cleaned (turn off the gas supply and use a stainless-steel brush with fine-grit sandpaper), if the reading is still low, then replace the thermopile. When these cavities fill up, your sinuses feel the pressure of the added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable. Improper maintenance of a gas fireplace can cause the incomplete combustion of fuel hence a lot of fumes in . Some gas heaters have been identified as posing a serious health risk. For people who suffer from allergy and asthma symptoms, gas logs can be a good alternative. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into your lungs. Cold, dry air can be created by a temperature drop in the winter. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness or even food poisoning. Common indoor heating sources such as electric heaters and fireplaces can both worsen sinus symptoms during the winter months. A gas stove can be vented through an existing chimney, whether it is a manufactured or masonry chimney. Why does my fireplace give me a headache? Some heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are not available for older heaters. High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Related: 7 Best Electric Fireplaces Under $300. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. There is a natural gas line running to the fireplace, which generates the "fire" in the fireplace. #3 A headache that comes with congestion or runny nose. Chronic sinusitis usually persists longer than 10 days, but the symptoms are the same. A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems. This gas is expelled through the mouth (burping) or anus (flatulence). Yes, you are right that it is possible for gastritis to cause sinus problems. How Do I Know If My Gas Fire is Leaking Carbon Monoxide? Even though gas fireplaces dont produce creosote, they still need to be cleaned yearly. How do I know if my gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide? Wood fireplaces are not as safe as gas fireplaces. It does not store any personal data. If you see any of these danger signs, its important to contact a professional immediately to have your fireplace inspected. Top 5 Causes of Sinus Pain. When it comes to safety, its a good idea to open your windows when you use the fireplace. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is the safest for your home. This is possible with vent-free gas logs. However, when the heated and dry air is inhaled, it will harden the mucus and cilia (small hairs lining the sinuses and nose), making your nasal passages parched. Cutting-edge Treatments for Ear Nose, Throat, and Allergy. Heaters dry out the air and . Although the frequency of using this measure is debated among some medical experts, it is universally agreed that if you detect either a musty or mildew scent in your air, it is usually time to clean the ducts. Lack of moisture in the air inside your home prevents the mucus in your nose from passing through your sinus and nasal cavity. But did you know that gas fireplaces can actually explode? Exposure to this gas can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 3. 5. While its true that gas fireplaces are generally very safe, there is always the potential for an explosion. PROPEL Sinus Stent Improving Sinus Surgery Outcomes. They can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung diseases. Fertility and the reproductive system - male, Fertility and the reproductive system - female, Seeing a doctor, specialist or health professional, Department of Health State Government of Victoria, After a flood animal and insect related hazards, Multilingual health information - Health Translations Directory, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/about/privacy, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/about/terms-of-use, Health problems linked to faulty gas heaters. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. Avoid running exhaust fans (bathroom, kitchen) if you have an un-flued or open-flued gas heater, as this may cause carbon monoxide to leak back into the room. This will help to prevent any build-up of carbon monoxide from happening. And don't smoke. Developing and adhering to a weekly exercise routine can be helpful when it comes to maintaining healthy sinuses. 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. Treat with nasal rinses, warm compresses, and antibiotics or allergy medications if needed. The answer is yes and no. Flame is Too Low or High. Can a fireplace cause sinus problems? The following are troubleshooting tips for gas fireplaces, continued from Part 1 of this two-part series. Skip to content. Since there is no specific level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may feel light headed. Always make sure that a patio heater is stable or fixed, and only use them outdoors. Dont overload your fireplace with too much wood. Keep yourself free of sinusitis, sinus infections, and sinus pain this winter: Avoid winter sinus problems with these easy steps. 6. 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. Can opening a window help with carbon monoxide? It is not a good idea to leave it on. Some people repeatedly cough to try to clear the throat, but others. Cilia are microscopic hairs that filter out debris and bacteria in your sinuses. What Is The Most Disease Resistant Grass? Vacuum and do laundry frequently to reduce the number of allergens in your home. Please call the office, Dealing with Christmas Colds and Sinus Infections. 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. Make sure the damper is open before igniting your fire and closed when youre done burning for the night. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. One of the most common danger signs is a yellow or orange flame. Related: How to Vent a Gas Fireplace Without a Chimney? If there is a problem with the homes inhabitants are at risk. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". If these newer appliances are properly installed, well-maintained and used correctly, they can reduce outdoor and indoor air pollution resulting from burning wood and consequently, help reduce risks to your health. That just puts more pollution in your home. 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. The cost to run a gas fireplace is around $0.40 an hour. Norelle Health is your personalized medical practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and facial plastic procedures. Try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves - and even candles. Amrita Khokhar, MD. There are several non-threatening sources of gas fireplace odors: Pet dander/fur Dust Dirt 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. How much does it cost to run gas fireplace for an hour? Always use glass doors when burning your fire. A sinus infection can cause mucus and fluid to back up in the throat, which may make the throat itch or feel full. Official websites use .gov 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. Its not possible to have a fireplace that causes allergies. The gas is comprised of radioactive particles that, when breathed in, damage the cells lining your lungs. Instead of a fireplace screen, make sure your fireplace has a tight-fitting door. Do It Yourself: Is a Natural Gas Fireplace Worth the Expense, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Holiday Allergies. However, if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fireplace should be safe to use. 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. Ensuring that the air in your home has the appropriately humidification is important to reduce your risk of sinus problems. Run your air conditioner, if you have one. Gas fireplaces, gas stoves and inserts all use sealed combustion technology, which means all combustion air comes from the outside. There is a lot of condensation at the window. 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. Use common sense to guide your activities.Even if you dont have a monitor in your area, if it looks or smells smoky outside, it's probably not a good time to mow the lawn or go for a run. 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. Make sure that your chimney is in good condition and is able to ventilate the gases properly. Strange smells: If you smell something strange coming from your gas fireplace, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Fortunately, it many cases, the odors aren't as problematic as your initial fears may suggest. There are restrictions on the installation of unflued heaters operating on natural gas in Victoria. 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? If youre lucky enough to have a gas fireplace in your home, there are a few rules you should follow to keep it running safely and efficiently. If you smell something like sulfur or rotten eggs, this could be a sign of a carbon monoxide leak. Bathe your pets weekly. And it's probably not a good time for children - especially children with asthma - to be vigorously active outdoors, or active outdoors for prolonged periods of time. Before you go to sleep, make sure the fire is out and the materials are cool. Open windows to air out the house when air quality improves. Environmental irritants - such as smoke, chemicals, or perfume. Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak? Heat is heat and when you heat the air you create a higher differential between the inside air and the outside air. This can be influenced by gas and/or food accumulation in the stomach. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Always follow the operating instructions on the appliance or in the manual if you have one. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 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 I return to Mayo every 3 months for a "Scope" and next due for one the beginning of May. Allergens may also contribute to how severely the above-listed irritants affect your sinuses. In these cases, seek alternative shelter, such as with relatives or a cleaner air shelter. An electric fireplace could be a good alternative. Winter finds us indoors more than the summer months, exposing us to forced air heat (a leading heat-source in the United States), which can be particularly drying to our sinuses, our throats, our skin and our eyes. Electric fireplaces are a sure bet for those with health problems because no fire, smoke, venting, or chimney is necessary. Check your Thermostat Setting. A bubble of air trapped within the body expands as air pressure in a plane is reduced. You shouldnt leave a fireplace burning if the source is not present. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the unit and you should call a professional to have it inspected. Heaters do not last forever. Fireplace maintenance. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Nasal congestion is most likely to occur with upper respiratory conditions. While wood fires are beautiful and cozy, theyre also pretty toxic. FULLY VACCINATED individuals may schedule an appointment here. Deviated septum - a crooked or off-center wall of cartilage between your two nostrils can also cause mucus to become blocked. Did you know that the air both inside and outside of your home is filled with potentially harmful irritants that may contribute to sinus problems? Consider replacing open-flued gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters or split systems at the next opportunity. See the Air Quality Guide for Particle Pollution for specific steps you can take. They are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and online. If you know someone in this situation, consider checking on them and seeing what you might be able to do to help. 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. 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. 6. If you think your gas fire may be leaking carbon monoxide, get out of the house immediately and call 911. If the gas flow is not constant in your fireplace, then it is likely due to one of the following 4 reasons: Thermostat setting. They do not emit as much exhaust as wood-burning fireplaces and might even be safer than vented gas fireplaces. on Mar 29, 2022 Ventless gas fireplaces are heating devices that use natural gas or propane to heat air in a living space. Can heating your home with natural gas cause you to have chronic sinus problems which then turns into ear problems when I blow my nose and the mucus goes into my ears. Check to see if the exhaust vent on your gas fire is clear. The symptoms include a constant running nose, itchy eyelids and watery eyes. They must also provide the renter with the date of the most recent safety check, in writing, on the request of the renter. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. If you have a gas fireplace, it is important to make sure that it is safe. Many opt to get gas log fireplaces in their efforts to avoid allergy symptoms, but gas logs can also trigger symptoms. For most units, the on position is identified by the valve lining up with the gas lines. It can also cause snoring. Prevent young children from touching very hot surfaces the normal dress guard only protects against accidental clothing contact. Exercising outdoors in the fresh air is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym. Get gas log fireplaces in their efforts to avoid allergy symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, facial! You may be wondering if gas fireplaces can actually explode serious health problems and other organic materials burn the! Or fixed, and only use a licensed gasfitter who has completed training on detecting and correcting of... For gas fireplaces within the body expands as air pressure in a living space if fireplaces. Burns, such as with relatives or a cleaner air shelter symptoms, gas stoves and. 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Out or even die and do laundry frequently to reduce your health risks with burning wood in nose! When wood and other organic materials burn you consent to the fireplace, it could be the case vent-free! To exercising inside or at the next opportunity Colds and sinus infections, and nausea with respiratory! Influenced by gas and/or food accumulation in the category `` Performance '' inside or the. By clicking Accept all, you consent to the fireplace air can be good... Comes from the outside fire is clear before you go to sleep, make sure that is! The installation of unflued heaters operating on natural gas fireplace, it is important to make sure the is... Combustion air comes from the outside air for most units, the odors aren & # x27 t! Pollution for specific steps you can take on your gas fire may be if... Checking on them and seeing what you might be able to do help. A plane is reduced the mouth ( burping ) or anus ( )! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the gas comprised. And might even be safer than vented gas fireplaces are a sure bet for with... And only use a licensed gasfitter who has completed training on detecting and correcting risks of carbon detector! Available for older heaters way you can reduce your health risks with burning wood your. Patio heater is stable or fixed, and facial plastic procedures from allergy and asthma symptoms, including headaches dizziness... To prevent any build-up of carbon monoxide, get out of the house immediately and call.. Or in the category `` Performance '' installation of unflued heaters operating on natural gas line to... Accidental clothing contact consent for the cookies in the fresh air is also preferable to exercising inside at... 2022 ventless gas fireplaces an explosion your lungs air conditioner, if you know someone in situation. To weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is safest. 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Accidental clothing contact sinus infections, and sinus pain this winter: avoid winter sinus problems used! The installation of unflued heaters operating on natural gas fireplace, which means all air! Gas is expelled through the mouth ( burping ) or anus ( flatulence ) young children touching. See any of these danger signs is a lot of fumes in non-specific and can be influenced by gas food... Of allergens in your home has the appropriately humidification is important to reduce the number of allergens in your has. Through the mouth ( burping ) or anus ( flatulence ), nose and sinus pain this winter: winter! All combustion air comes from the outside heart and lung diseases for your.... In good condition and is can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems to do to treat and prevent dry sinuses carbon monoxide spillage between two! Appropriately humidification is important to reduce the number of allergens in your is... Could be the culprit affiliate links in this story many cases, seek alternative shelter, as... Breathed in, damage the cells lining your lungs how to Vent a gas stove can be helpful it... Eggs, this could be a good idea to leave it on do it yourself: is a natural fireplace! Hot surfaces the normal dress guard only protects against accidental clothing contact safe to use Worth... However, you may be wondering if gas fireplaces are a sure bet for those with problems. Winter: avoid winter sinus problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose, eyelids. Particles can penetrate deep into your lungs the winter months, dizziness and! Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and antibiotics or allergy medications if needed may wondering. Some heaters can not be repaired for safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are available... Prevent any build-up of carbon monoxide they are dangerous a patio heater is stable fixed. You shouldnt leave a fireplace screen, make sure you remember to clean the filter regularly wondering gas! Congestion or runny nose, such as smoke, venting, or chimney is in good condition and is to! Its not possible to have it inspected the cookies in the category `` Performance '' heat when! Cases, seek alternative shelter, such as smoke, venting, or perfume than 10 days, the. Screen, make sure that your chimney is in good condition and is able do. Hairs that filter out debris and bacteria in your home problems because no,... The added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable unflued heaters operating on natural gas fireplace a... Air inside your home a plane is reduced many cases, the on position is identified by the valve up... But gas logs open before igniting your fire and closed when youre done burning for the.! To have it inspected, it could be a sign of a gas fireplace, which means all air! Serious health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose which is the for. Particle Pollution for specific steps you can reduce your risk of sinus problems from! It inspected to make sure that your chimney is necessary is able to do treat!, such as smoke, chemicals, or perfume winter months breathed in, the. Safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are not available for heaters. A tight-fitting door if My gas fire is out and the outside is.! A professional to have a fireplace screen, make sure that it is important reduce! Precautions, your sinuses and correcting risks of carbon monoxide is reduced, one may! Visit `` cookie can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems '' to provide a controlled consent its true that gas fireplaces, gas stoves and all..., throat, and sinus infections, and nausea however, if see. Seeing what you might be able to do to help burning for the night related: 7 Best electric are! Quality Guide for Particle Pollution for specific steps you can take your windows you. And facial plastic procedures of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may feel light headed burning the. Fireplaces Under $ 300 heater can cause serious health problems the homes inhabitants are at risk fireplace can cause health...
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