can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems

Dr. Bennett recommends that his patients educate themselves about the exact environmental causes that contribute to sinus problems, and to follow special tips on how to minimize and eradicate nasal congestion, sinus pressure and sinus pain. Most people think of their gas fireplace as being a safe and reliable way to heat their home. Welcome to GardeNew, a site to share with you useful tips and knowledge about gardening, grass seeds, lawn maintenance, and more. Can you make a wood fire in a gas fireplace? How Many Gallons Of 32 Nitrogen Are In A Ton? The Mayo Clinic says that wood-burning fireplaces can trigger allergy symptoms. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets EU or US standards. You eliminate the risk of having gas build up or backdraft into your home if you leave the damper open at all times. On the surface of things, the cause of sinus trouble is clear. If you have an old open-flued gas heater, consider safe alternative heating or replacing with a room-sealed gas heater or split system at the next opportunity. Destruction of the cilia due to indoor or outdoor pollution can lead to chronic or acute sinusitis. Exposure to this gas can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Continue to schedule a regular appointment. You will save money on gas utility bills if you use a ventless fireplace. Although the reason for this is still indefinite, acid reflux can lead to ear and sinus infections for some patients. In these cases, seek alternative shelter, such as with relatives or a cleaner air shelter. Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors. Make sure you follow your healthcare providers directions about taking your medicines. It can also cause snoring. They work at Mexico's Instituto Nacional . If your heater is very old (around 15 to 20 years), it may not be possible or worthwhile for your service person to repair it. Fortunately, it many cases, the odors aren't as problematic as your initial fears may suggest. A neti pot looks similar to a small teapot in appearance, save for an extended spout. Learn more about smoke and health: Wildfire Smoke, A Guide for Public Health Officials, For information about home air cleaners: Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home, For a list of certified air cleaning devices:California Certified Air Cleaning Devices, Learn the right way to use an N-95 or P-100 particulate respirator mask:Protect Your Lungs from Wildfire Smoke, What to do before, during, and after a wildfire:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wildfire Page. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. Consider replacing open-flued gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters or split systems at the next opportunity. If you are advised to stay indoors,take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Wood smoke can affect everyone, but the populations known to be at greater risk include: children, teenagers, older adults, people with lung disease -- including asthma and COPD, people with heart disease, outdoor workers, and people of low socioeconomic status, including those who are homeless and with limited access to medical care. In fact, many people with sinus issues find that sitting in front of a crackling fire actually helps to clear their congestion. Strange smells: If you smell something strange coming from your gas fireplace, it could be a sign of a gas leak. All types of gas heaters should be serviced a minimum of every 2 years by a licenced gasfitter and tested for carbon monoxide spillage. If you have a gas fire, it is important to know if it is leaking carbon monoxide. This is a serious safety hazard and you should evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company. If you have heart, vascular or lung disease, including asthma,talk with your health care provider before fire season to make plans. 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. 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. Consider buying an air cleaner. If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. If you are active outdoors, pay attention to symptoms. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that gas fireplaces cause sinus problems. Exposing yourself to sunlight each day is also important for Vitamin D and calcium consumption, revitalizing your tissues and their ability to regenerate. Thermocouple or thermopile issues. First, be sure that the area around the fireplace is well-ventilated. Cutting-edge Treatments for Ear Nose, Throat, and Allergy. Even healthy people may experience temporary symptoms from exposure to elevated levels of particle pollution that a wood fire creates.. When it comes to gas fireplaces, there are a few danger signs that you should be aware of. A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems. In 1996, they were banned by Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, New York, and Massachusetts due to the influence of the industry. The answer is yes and no. Be careful when drying clothes inside keep all flammable materials at least one metre away from the heater. Electric units dont work with gas fireplaces because they have real flames. If you burn your vent-free logs for more than an hour, it is a good idea to open a window. Electric fireplaces are a sure bet for those with health problems because no fire, smoke, venting, or chimney is necessary. Another danger sign is soot on the glass doors or on the surrounding walls. The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. 8. Or give us a callwere happy to talk with you about ways to prevent and treat sinus infections. There are three types of headache due to gas. 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. The damper on the gas fireplace should be open all the time. 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? Always make sure that a patio heater is stable or fixed, and only use them outdoors. The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, breathing problems and asthma flare-ups. Wood burning fireplaces have a higher risk of injury. Do gas fireplaces take oxygen out of the air? From using the right wood to newer inserts, get tips for minimizing your risk. It is not a good idea to leave it on. As the temperature drops outside, heaters and furnaces are getting cranked up inside. Scarves or bandanas (wet or dry) wont help, either. 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. This membrane is susceptible to various infections. Because there is no airflow to the outdoors, they do not create the negative pressure problems that can occur with a vented fireplace. Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. Some gas heaters have been identified as posing a serious health risk. 3. There is a manual gas shutoff valve inside the service department. Should the flue be open on a ventless gas fireplace? One of the possible causes of carbon monoxide poisoning is a gas fireplace. Keep yourself free of sinusitis, sinus infections, and sinus pain this winter: Avoid winter sinus problems with these easy steps. 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. There are restrictions on the installation of unflued heaters operating on natural gas in Victoria. FULLY VACCINATED individuals may schedule an appointment here. The average price of natural gas in the US in 2020 was about $1 per therm. For top-quality gas fireplace services, call Chimney.com at (301) 761-2228, or contact us online to arrange your free estimate! Heaters dry out the air and . but my records show this is occurring during the winter months? Fine particles can cause a variety of short-term health problems, including: itchy or burning eyes throat irritation runny nose illnesses like bronchitis. Air quality reports are available through local news media, your local air agency or onairnow.gov. Testing for allergens will allow you and your doctor to create an allergy management program to avoid exposure and effects of allergens. When returning to your home after a flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, illness or disease. Never use an outdoor appliance inside (this includes barbeques and patio heaters). Since there is no specific level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may feel light headed. The answer is that a gas fireplace makes the air dry and moist. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Get air quality information: If there is an active fire in your area, follow your local news, the airnow.gov website or your state air quality website for up-to-date information. Norelle Health is your personalized medical practice specializing in brain and spine surgery, nose and sinus surgery, and facial plastic procedures. A gas log fireplace must be properly vented to the outside so that toxic fumes are heading outside rather than staying in your home. The problem seems to be with the power adapter that the fireplace cord plugs into, which then plugs into the wall outlet. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Common indoor heating sources such as electric heaters and fireplaces can both worsen sinus symptoms during the winter months. Heaters do not last forever. Real Estate; Home & Garden; Pets; Food; Sports; If you have cardiovascular disease,follow your healthcare providers directions and call if your symptoms worsen. When it comes to safety, its a good idea to open your windows when you use the fireplace. There is a sealed combustion behind the glass that makes a gas fireplace safe. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. 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). This expansion causes pressure on surrounding tissues and can result in a blockage of the sinuses or the eustachian tubes in the ears. Running a standard-sized gas fireplace will cost about $0.22/hour at 100% heating output if you use natural gas. Nasal polyps - non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nose and sinuses that can cause mucus to become blocked. Thats because smoke from these fires contains small particles that can get into your eyes and respiratory system and the result can be a cough, burning eyes, a runny nose and illnesses such as bronchitis, says allergist and immunologistSheila Cain, MD. Colds are caused by a virus, which can make nasal tissue swell, blocking the holes that normally drain sinuses. Is There a Safe (and Warm) Way to Gather Outside During the Pandemic? Common Health Problems Exposure to natural gas through gas leaks can be harmful. It could take between four and eight hours for the CO to leave the building, because there isnt enough air flow through the windows. Avoiding these allergens is the best way to avoid allergic sinusitis. Related: 7 Best Electric Fireplaces Under $300. Lastly, note that inspecting your home for these materials is important if you suspect that some of the more harmful items on this list may be present, as they can affect far more than just your sinuses. This includes all central heating units, space heaters, wall units and gas log fires. A sinus infection can cause mucus and fluid to back up in the throat, which may make the throat itch or feel full. There are gas fireplaces that are safe to use. A 20,000 BTU gas fireplace will use less than 20 bcm of natural gas per hour. This is a very safe and popular option for many. Carbon monoxide gas can be odorless and go undetected until a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is the biggest reason. Enter your box content here. Both types of fireplaces provide heat, and many gas log fireplaces closely resemble a real fire. Theres no doubt about it, the winter months can seem like they are never ending, especially with daylight savings time and the sometimes severe weather. Be sure to open the flue before lighting a fire in a gas fireplace. The answer to "Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?" is a resounding NO! #3 A headache that comes with congestion or runny nose. That puts even more pollution in your lungs, and in the lungs of people around you. Also, the mold that can grow on stored firewood can cause allergic symptoms when the wood is burned. Hypothyroidism can, in rare cases, cause a heart condition called sinus node dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome. Dont overload your fireplace with too much wood. While allergies and other conditions add to sinus congestion, food is the first place to explore. Ventless gas fireplaces are highly beneficial and also cost less than traditional furnaces and heaters. What is the purpose of glass doors on a gas fireplace? This explains why a dry house can cause sinus problems. Top 5 Causes of Sinus Pain. If you use natural gas, you can run your fireplace for up to four hours before you need to refill. This is why so often you will see people dealing with both sinus pressure and headaches at the same time. 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. If you see any of these danger signs, dont hesitate to call a professional for help! If the gas flow is not constant in your fireplace, then it is likely due to one of the following 4 reasons: Thermostat setting. Moist mucus and nose hair are there to trap the dust that you inhale so it will not reach your lungs. The State of Victoria and the Department of Healthshall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Here are the top four things to remember: 1. Identifying outdoor pollutants is important in order to understand how to combat them. 3. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Health problems that seem worse or only occur when the heating is on may be caused by carbon monoxide from a faulty gas heater. Be advised by your licensed gasfitter. Make You Tired, Feel Unwell Some heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are not available for older heaters. An electric fireplace could be a good alternative. . If the flame is too high, it could mean that the gas pressure is too high or there's something wrong with the burner assembly. 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. There are some risks involved with gas logs. There are a few things you can look for to see if your gas fire is leaking carbon monoxide. The size . You can use these if you wish. The answer is yes and no. If you do find a gas heating specialist online, make sure that they are a licensed gasfitter endorsed for gas appliance servicing. Vacuum and do laundry frequently to reduce the number of allergens in your home. Fine particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream if they are in the air. A bubble of air trapped within the body expands as air pressure in a plane is reduced. When selecting installation locations, make sure the alarm is audible from all sleeping areas. Secondly, youll want to make sure that you have the fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. Excess heat in gas fireplaces is very dangerous because it can cause cracking of the gas logs and mantel. In addition to the fireplace smoke that can be released inside the home,researchhas shown that up to 70% of smoke released via the chimney re-enters your home. There are several non-threatening sources of gas fireplace odors: Pet dander/fur Dust Dirt 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! How Do I Know If My Gas Fire is Leaking Carbon Monoxide? Should I keep the glass doors closed on my gas fireplace? Flame is Too Low or High. How much carbon monoxide does a ventless fireplace produce? Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and sitting away from the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk. 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. This could be a fire hazard, so its important to have the fireplace inspected by a professional. When these cavities fill up, your sinuses feel the pressure of the added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable. The devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air if it is the result of toxic gases or air quality issues. A 2013 study of indoor NO2 from stoves found that, among children with asthma, "every 5 ppb increase in NO2 exposure above a threshold of 6 ppb" led to a measurable increase in wheezing and . Old unflued gas heaters within the home may not meet current emission standards. Never dispose of rubbish such as tissues, cotton buds or other things in a gas fire this can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants. While wood fires are beautiful and cozy, theyre also pretty toxic. Despite the fact that gas fireplaces are far safer than wood fireplaces, owners should still take precautions. This can especially be the case with vent-free gas logs. Nitrogen Dioxide: This odorless gas that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. With allergy shots, the dose is increased over a period of time so that the body develops immunity to the allergen. A CO alarm should therefore be certified to meet European (EN50291) or US (UL2034) standards. You simply turn on a switch, which causes the flames to appear. Consult with your licensed gasfitter before considering purchase or installation. Some patients experience the symptom with normal amounts of gastric gas. Please call the office, Dealing with Christmas Colds and Sinus Infections. Blue flames on gas appliances are not as bright as yellow flames.