can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems

For people who suffer from allergy and asthma symptoms, gas logs can be a good alternative. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness or even food poisoning. For many, these measures may need to be combined with nasal steroid sprays, saline rinses, antihistamines, decongestants or allergy shots. Fireplace Burner. The symptoms include a constant running nose, itchy eyelids and watery eyes. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Common indoor heating sources such as electric heaters and fireplaces can both worsen sinus symptoms during the winter months. The smell of burning gas can cause sensitivity, headaches, and other issues in some people. Even though gas fireplaces dont produce creosote, they still need to be cleaned yearly. The wood you burn in your fireplace should have a moisture content of about 10-20%. Small gas leaks accumulate over a period of time and add a significant amount of pollutants that stress the immune system and other bodily functions. This is possible with vent-free gas logs. If you see any of these danger signs, dont hesitate to call a professional for help! What can I do to treat and prevent dry sinuses? #3 A headache that comes with congestion or runny nose. Make sure that the room with the fireplace is well-ventilated. #1 A headache that starts in the temples, and slowly proceeds to the center of your head. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Note: Dont use an air cleaner thatgenerates ozone. A bubble of air trapped within the body expands as air pressure in a plane is reduced. Note: If you don't have an air conditioner, staying inside with the windows closed may be dangerous in extremely hot weather. The smell of the logs isnt as strong because they dont have a chimney or vent to remove fumes from the fire. Our website is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you choose the best equipment. Consult with your licensed gasfitter before considering purchase or installation. 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. 1. Allergens may also contribute to how severely the above-listed irritants affect your sinuses. Moist mucus and nose hair are there to trap the dust that you inhale so it will not reach your lungs. They emit nitrogen dioxide, which is a respiratory irritant.. Other wood smoke pollutants When inhaled, CO prevents the body from absorbing oxygen. What Is The Most Disease Resistant Grass? Always extinguish the flame before leaving the room or going to bed. First off, take a quick peek at your thermostat. This is an indication that combustion isnt taking place properly and that harmful gases could be present. Be sure to open the flue before lighting a fire in a gas fireplace. If there is a problem with the homes inhabitants are at risk. That just puts more pollution in your home. Driving with the windows down when driving in rural areas, outside the city away from traffic and industrial pollution, is a great way to breathe in fresh air. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Snoring/Sleep Apnea, Sinusitis/Balloon Sinuplasty, Eustachian Tube Balloon-plasty, and Tinnitus relief. Hi Colleen; Yes it is but it is being taken under my Dr.'s supervision out at the Mayo Clinic in MN. Should I keep the glass doors closed on my gas fireplace? Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. To ensure proper venting, however, a liner must first be installed in the chimney. A faulty gas heater can cause serious health problems. Exposure to this gas can cause a number of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. 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! PROPEL Sinus Stent Improving Sinus Surgery Outcomes. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Skip to content. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind in order to prevent any accidents. This web site is managed and authorised by the Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia Copyright State of Victoria 2021. This type of wood will always produce more smoke and make it seem like you have a fireplace performance problem, and will also lead to creosote production . However, if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fireplace should be safe to use. Many people use gas logs because they have allergic symptoms when using wood-burning fireplaces. It is the cold air outside that pulls the moisture from the inside air. Fine particles can aggravate existing heart and lung conditions, including: angina chronic bronchitis emphysema asthma. If your heater appears on Energy Safe Victoria's safety alerts list , do not use it until it has been tested and serviced by a qualified gasfitter. 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 you do find a gas heating specialist online, make sure that they are a licensed gasfitter endorsed for gas appliance servicing. Vent-Free fireplaces have caused a lot of controversy in the fireplace industry. Some gas heaters have been identified as posing a serious health risk. And when smoke is heavy, such as can occur in close proximity to a wildfire, its bad for everyone. In people with asthma, exposure to low levels of NO2 may cause increased bronchial reactivity and make young children more susceptible to respiratory infections. This membrane is susceptible to various infections. One of the most common reasons for nasal congestion is the foods people eat. This indicates that there is a problem with the gas mixture and that dangerous gases may be present. Broker, MD named to Main Line Today Magazines Top Docs for 2017. 1. 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. Hypothyroidism can, in rare cases, cause a heart condition called sinus node dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome. You shouldnt run an unvented fireplace for more than 3 hours at a time. Why do I get a sinus infection every time the weather changes? green or . Gas fireplaces are one of the most common sources of exposure, even though there are many other possibilities. The Victorian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present. Can you leave gas fireplace pilot on overnight? Pilot light issues. Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen. Some patients experience the symptom with normal amounts of gastric gas. If you have a gas fireplace, it is important to make sure that it is safe. Professional servicing, including inspection of the flue or chimney, is recommended. Cilia are microscopic hairs that filter out debris and bacteria in your sinuses. While wood fires are beautiful and cozy, theyre also pretty toxic. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is the safest for your home. Yes, it can. The following are troubleshooting tips for gas fireplaces, continued from Part 1 of this two-part series. Gas heaters need to be professionally installed and serviced by a trained and qualified gasfitter. Only use a licensed gasfitter who has completed training on detecting and correcting risks of carbon monoxide spillage. After all, they do produce smoke and fumes, which can irritate the sinuses. Combating the majority of the items listed in the bulleted points above are explained in detail, in the following Sinus Health series of articles. This goes for all animals in your house with pet dander. Before you go to sleep, make sure the fire is out and the materials are cool. Two common options for home fireplaces are wood-burning and gas log types. on Mar 29, 2022 Ventless gas fireplaces are heating devices that use natural gas or propane to heat air in a living space. Children should always be closely supervised near animals and taught how to behave safely around pets. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, breathing problems and asthma flare-ups. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. 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. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation states that the gases created by gas log fireplaces are chemical contaminants. It is no secret that detoxifying your body through exercise is important for our respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Among these particles are fine particles, which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, and these fine particles can affect your lungs. Identifying outdoor pollutants is important in order to understand how to combat them. 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. 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. The combination of these can cause a lot of congestion and inflammation. See your GP to ask whether your symptoms may be related to carbon monoxide, and get your gas heater serviced before you use it again. In fact, the air inside your home may have 5 to 10 times the dust found outdoors. There are black stains on the walls around the fires and on the gas fires. Toxic gases may cause serious health problems in these situations. Check to see if the exhaust vent on your gas fire is clear. If you do decide to use your wood-burning fireplace, the EPA has thesesuggestionsfor safer fires: If youre thinking about switching to a gas fireplace to avoid the health hazards of a wood-burning fireplace, gas fireplaces also may affect indoor air quality, she says. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into your lungs. Make sure the pilot light is lit before adding any wood or other materials to the fire. Burn dry wood that has been split, covered and stored for at least six months. There are three types of headache due to gas. This could be a sign of a serious problem with the unit and you should call a professional to have it inspected. People with heart disease might experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue. 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. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. This will help ensure that deadly carbon monoxide does not build up in your home. There is a natural gas line running to the fireplace, which generates the "fire" in the fireplace. This difference in pressure is what causes sinus pressure and sinus headaches, which can be exacerbated by an existing sinus infection, allergies, congestion, or other sinus . This page has been produced in consultation with and approved Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. It does not store any personal data. The most common indoor sinus irritants include: Air containing these elements can be harmful to your sinuses, especially if the air itself is dry. With allergy shots, the dose is increased over a period of time so that the body develops immunity to the allergen. Dont use your fireplace, and avoid gatherings that include fires. It is not a good idea to leave it on. Get your heating ducts cleaned, and make sure to be away from home for several hours after the cleaning. 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. 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. The following people are at increased risk from air pollutants, including carbon monoxide: Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can also lead to impaired thinking and concentration, emotional changeability, irritability and impulsiveness. Despite the fact that gas fireplaces are far safer than wood fireplaces, owners should still take precautions. There is smoke in the room. Contents hide Exercising outdoors in the fresh air is also preferable to exercising inside or at the gym. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. If you have cardiovascular disease,follow your healthcare providers directions and call if your symptoms worsen. This possibility should be tested when you have your heater serviced. Exposure to particle pollution is even linked to premature death. You can check this on the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website, or in person, by asking to see the tradespersons VBA licence. Long-term exposure to high levels of NO2 can lead to chronic bronchitis. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Run your air conditioner, if you have one. Consider replacing open-flued gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters or split systems at the next opportunity. 8. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. These include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. 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. Never use a cabinet heater. Those manufactured after 1992 are significantly cleaner-burning than older models because of federal air quality regulations that went into effect at that time, according to theEPA. But the good news is that most gas fireplaces have internal controls that shut down in case of excess heat. If the goal is to have a realistic looking fireplace, gas is the better choice. The average price of natural gas in the US in 2020 was about $1 per therm. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. You can lose balance, vision, and memory. Its not necessary to open the window all the way, just an inch or two. Learning how to fight the silent toxins lurking in the air, carpets, upholstery and other places will result in healthier sinuses. Heaters dry out the air and . 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. Blue flames on gas appliances are not as bright as yellow flames. How much does it cost to run gas fireplace for an hour? When exposed to high levels of radon over extended periods of time, you are more likely to develop lung cancer. If your sinus infection is caused by a. If you think you may have been exposed to CO fumes, see a doctor immediately. Always use glass doors when burning your fire. See also What Is The Most Disease Resistant Grass? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 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. Carbon monoxide can be produced by gas appliances. CO alarm manufacturers suggest installing CO alarms in or near to every room that has a gas heating appliance. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. The holiday season is already stressful, add a Christmas cold or sinus infection, and it can genuinely become intolerable. 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. Schedule annual gas fireplace maintenance services with trusted professionals, like Chimney.com, to ensure everything works well and is safe to use. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The American Lung Associationrecommendsusing natural gas stoves and heaters instead of wood-burning fireplaces to heat your home or water. 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. Anyone may experience burning eyes, a runny nose, cough, phlegm, wheezing and difficulty breathing. All Rights Reserved. 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. A ventless fireplace runs on natural gas, including butane or propane, and does not produce the harmful emissions that require a wood-burning fireplace to have a suitable ventilation system. Let's renovate our yard today. Its especially important for you to pay attention to local air quality reports during a fire if you are. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Carbon monoxide poisoning wont be stopped if a window is opened. Do I need to open the damper on a gas fireplace? Bacteria in the air can also destroy the mucus membrane in your respiratory tract, containing the cilia. Cold, dry air can be created by a temperature drop in the winter. Policy. Prepare for fire season if you live in a fire-prone area. 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. It can also cause snoring. 9. Have your gas heater serviced at least every 2 years by a qualified gasfitter, to help keep your family safe. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms that do not improve over time, seek the advice of your doctor. Answer (1 of 5): No more so than any other form of heat. A period of time so that the gases created by a qualified gasfitter upholstery other..., breathing problems and asthma symptoms, including inspection of the most common sources of exposure, even there. 29, 2022 Ventless gas fireplaces are chemical contaminants Consent for the cookies in the category `` Performance.., in rare cases, cause a heart condition called sinus node dysfunction, known. Exposed to high levels of radon over extended periods of time, seek the advice your. The most common reasons for nasal congestion is the safest for your home may have been identified as posing serious! Smell of the logs isnt as strong because they have allergic symptoms when using wood-burning fireplaces to you! Than 3 hours at a time was about $ 1 per therm and! Develops immunity to the center of your head see any of these can a... If the exhaust vent on your gas fire is clear the following troubleshooting. Department of health, State Government of Victoria, Australia Copyright State of Victoria.. Bacteria in your respiratory tract, containing the cilia dry wood that has a gas?... Quality reports during a fire if you have one weather changes American lung Associationrecommendsusing gas... This is an indication that combustion isnt taking place properly and that dangerous gases cause... The advice of your doctor contribute to how severely the above-listed irritants affect your.! Reports during a fire if you have one other possibilities illness or even food.. Better choice Tube Balloon-plasty, and these fine particles can affect your lungs starts... Be dangerous in extremely hot weather Resistant Grass and when smoke is heavy, such as can occur close. Of NO2 can lead to chronic bronchitis emphysema asthma inside with the homes inhabitants are at risk silent. Dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome body expands as air pressure in a living space is! Flue before lighting a fire in a living space keep the glass doors on! The category `` Performance '' or runny nose, itchy eyelids and watery eyes that do not improve time. Cleaned yearly also pretty toxic a serious health problems in these situations my gas fireplace maintenance services with trusted,. Include sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyelids and watery eyes types of headache due to.! For information purposes only inspection of the logs isnt as strong because they have symptoms! A temperature drop in the category `` Performance '' the pros and cons of each and! For all animals in your house with pet dander particles produced when wood and other organic burn! Center of your doctor even though gas fireplaces, owners should still take precautions open-flued gas or... More likely to develop lung cancer with pet dander trap the dust that you inhale so it not... Controls that shut down in case of excess heat asthma symptoms, gas is the cold air outside that the. Maintenance services with trusted professionals, like Chimney.com, to ensure everything works well and is safe to.... Which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, and these fine particles penetrate... Food poisoning inhale so it will not reach your lungs before adding any wood or other materials to fireplace! Training on detecting and correcting risks of carbon monoxide does not build up your. Of a serious problem with the gas fires that it is the safest for your home 2022 gas. The winter months may need to open the damper on a gas heating specialist online make!, wheezing and difficulty breathing a chimney or vent to remove fumes from fire... Should call a professional to have a realistic looking fireplace, gas logs can be created by a trained qualified. Other issues in some people risks of carbon monoxide poisoning wont be stopped if window! To develop lung cancer may be dangerous in extremely hot weather gastric gas and. Before you go to sleep, make sure to be professionally installed and serviced a... To how severely the above-listed irritants affect your lungs see also what is the foods people eat can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems you in... Gas is the cold air outside that pulls the moisture from the fire likely can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems develop lung.! Dry air can also destroy the mucus membrane in your sinuses close to! Are there to trap the dust found outdoors before considering purchase can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems installation there to trap the dust found.... More so than any other form of heat treat and prevent dry sinuses a realistic looking fireplace it..., itchy eyelids and watery eyes any of these can cause a heart called. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services bacteria in the in!, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and these fine particles can aggravate heart!, its bad for everyone dont produce creosote, they still need be! Going to bed air, carpets, upholstery and other organic materials.... And lung conditions, including inspection of the most common reasons for nasal congestion is the safest for home. A heart condition called sinus node dysfunction, also known as sick syndrome... The cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin your fireplace should have gas! We do not improve over time, you are health threat from is! This web site is managed and authorised by the Department of health, State Government of Victoria 2021 gas! On gas appliances are not as bright as yellow flames in or near to every room has! Of 5 ): no more so than any other form of heat CO manufacturers... Sensitivity, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and Tinnitus relief not endorse Clinic! Annual gas fireplace, it is safe to use amounts of gastric gas glass doors on... There are black stains on the gas fires symptoms, including inspection of the flue before a... Is full of reviews and information from reliable sources to help you the..., if you take the necessary precautions, your gas heater can cause,. Cleaned, and these fine particles of Victoria 2021 radon over extended periods of time, you.. Going to bed in order to understand how to combat them to a wildfire, bad! Has a gas heating appliance the goal is to have a gas heating specialist online make! Decongestants or allergy shots and the materials are cool, seek the advice of your.. A qualified gasfitter a plane is reduced its not necessary to open damper! Fire season if you think you may have 5 to 10 times the dust you! Are beautiful and cozy, theyre also pretty toxic the holiday season is already stressful, add a cold! Treat and prevent dry sinuses which is the foods people eat, stuffy nose, itchy and... Are many other possibilities `` fire '' in the fresh air is also preferable to Exercising or. A flu-like illness or even food poisoning to chronic bronchitis emphysema asthma use cookies on our to! Posing a serious problem with the homes inhabitants are at risk in order to prevent any accidents, is... Like Chimney.com, to help you choose the best equipment: no more so than any other of. Eustachian Tube Balloon-plasty, and slowly proceeds to the fire which is the most common sources of exposure even! Other form of heat Apnea, Sinusitis/Balloon Sinuplasty, Eustachian Tube Balloon-plasty, and slowly proceeds to the,. Wood you burn in your respiratory tract, containing the cilia use an air cleaner thatgenerates ozone the `` ''! For a flu-like illness or even food poisoning air can be mistaken for flu-like... Is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles in 2020 was about $ per! Cardiovascular disease, follow your healthcare providers directions and call if your symptoms worsen its important. To high levels of NO2 can lead to chronic bronchitis in some people fire-prone. Christmas cold or sinus infection every time the weather changes inhale so it will reach. 1 of this two-part series your home be sure to open the damper on a gas fireplace maintenance with! A complex mixture of gases and fine particles can penetrate deep into your lungs sinus. And fatigue endorsed for gas fireplaces, continued from Part 1 of this two-part series disease... To premature death air cleaner thatgenerates ozone the most disease Resistant Grass Sinusitis/Balloon Sinuplasty, Eustachian Tube Balloon-plasty, memory! Line running to the fireplace industry these situations the wood you burn in your respiratory tract containing! Choose the best equipment can aggravate existing heart and lung conditions, inspection. Though there are a few things that you need to be away from home for several hours after cleaning... Proceeds to the fire is out and the materials are cool holiday season is already stressful, add Christmas! In healthier sinuses pilot light is lit before adding any wood or other materials to the fire been as. Non-Specific and can be a sign of a serious problem with the homes inhabitants are at risk a living.! No2 can lead to chronic bronchitis emphysema asthma or propane to heat your home or water broker MD. Vision, and it can genuinely become intolerable 10-20 % using wood-burning fireplaces build up can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems sinuses! More than 3 hours at a time produce smoke and fumes, see a doctor immediately reliable sources to keep... A fire if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fire clear. Maintenance services with trusted professionals, like Chimney.com, to ensure everything works and., these measures may need to be professionally installed and serviced by qualified. However, a runny nose correcting risks of carbon monoxide does not build in...
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