Have at least a five-day supply of medication on hand. Avoiding the pitfalls of TV entertainment addiction will help keep your sinuses healthy which can give you an overall healthy lifestyle. It stopped working entirely; the remote has new batteries. Take note of your symptoms, and be sure to contact your . How Do I Know If My Gas Fire is Leaking Carbon Monoxide? This is a serious safety hazard and you should evacuate the area immediately and call your gas company. Difficult thinking or concentrating can be caused by long-term exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide. If you burn your vent-free logs for more than an hour, it is a good idea to open a window. For example, buy a hypoallergenic mattress cover and pillowcases and wash them with your bed sheets and shams in hot water, on a weekly basis. 1. Fortunately, it many cases, the odors aren't as problematic as your initial fears may suggest. If you think you may have been exposed to CO fumes, see a doctor immediately. The most common indoor sinus irritants include: Air containing these elements can be harmful to your sinuses, especially if the air itself is dry. The main agent that causes headaches is carbon monoxide. Run your air conditioner, if you have one. But allergy meds don't seem to help. Now I will delve deeper into how it all happens and what you can do it help prevent it from happening. Some of the most common are sinusitis, bronchitis . Chronic sinusitis usually persists longer than 10 days, but the symptoms are the same. Nasal irrigation is an easy way to help prevent and treat sinus problems, according to . Otherwise, all that heat will escape right up the chimney! This membrane is susceptible to various infections. This web site is managed and authorised by the Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia Copyright State of Victoria 2021. Heaters do not last forever. Policy. Should I keep the glass doors closed on my gas fireplace? Thermocouple or thermopile issues. 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. If the goal is to have a realistic looking fireplace, gas is the better choice. The answer is that a gas fireplace makes the air dry and moist. Wood fires release tiny particles that get into the lungs and can harm people with underlying health conditions. Carbon monoxide gas can be odorless and go undetected until a person dies from carbon monoxide poisoning, which is the biggest reason. Nitrogen Dioxide: This odorless gas that can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. Why do I get a sinus infection every time the weather changes? Help keep particle levels inside lower.When smoke is heavy for a prolonged period of time, fine particles can build up indoors even though you may not be able to see them. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. And when smoke is heavy, such as can occur in close proximity to a wildfire, its bad for everyone. Bathe your pets weekly. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. This possibility should be tested when you have your heater serviced. Unflued gas heaters require ongoing ventilation to external spaces to allow fresh air to fuel the burner and discharge combustion products. If you do go this route, make sure theyre fully vented outdoors to keep pollutants out. Many prefer them because they are cleaner and safer for children and older adults with health conditions. This is because when gas ignites, it creates a lot of heat and pressure. Here are the top four things to remember: 1. Despite the fact that gas fireplaces are far safer than wood fireplaces, owners should still take precautions. Can my fireplace make me sick? When these cavities fill up, your sinuses feel the pressure of the added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable. The answer is yes and no. Get your heating ducts cleaned, and make sure to be away from home for several hours after the cleaning. Even moderate humiditybetween 35 and 50 percentcan be helpful to the nasal membranes. And don't smoke. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors and sitting away from the fireplace are ways to reduce the risk. It could take between four and eight hours for the CO to leave the building, because there isnt enough air flow through the windows. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Is it OK to leave fireplace on overnight? If you are advised to stay indoors,take steps to keep indoor air as clean as possible. Common Health Problems Exposure to natural gas through gas leaks can be harmful. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and can be mistaken for a flu-like illness or even food poisoning. According to the CDC, up to 500 people die annually from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Can Acid Reflux Cause Gas On average, healthy individuals pass gas 13 to 21 times a day. Chest Pain: 3 Signs Its Not a Heart Attack and Possible Causes. Bananas. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into your lungs. Do not try to fix the problem yourself leave that to the professionals! Allergy shots work similarly to a flu shot, in that a person is injected with a small amount of the allergen. Wood smoke hashealth effectslike lung cancer, wheezing and premature death, too. Please click here to see any active alerts. Black sooty marks can be seen on the front of gas fires. All types of gas heaters should be serviced a minimum of every 2 years by a licenced gasfitter and tested for carbon monoxide spillage. Hypothyroidism can, in rare cases, cause a heart condition called sinus node dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome. If they are registered and licensed, they will have a photo ID card that states what kinds of work they are allowed to do. Yes, you are right that it is possible for gastritis to cause sinus problems. The following are troubleshooting tips for gas fireplaces, continued from Part 1 of this two-part series. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind in order to prevent any accidents. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. But EPA's color-coded Air Quality Index can help you protect yourself when particle levels are high. Running a standard-sized gas fireplace will cost about $0.22/hour at 100% heating output if you use natural gas. Long-term exposure to high levels of NO2 can lead to chronic bronchitis. FULLY VACCINATED individuals may schedule an appointment here. 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. Vacuum and do laundry frequently to reduce the number of allergens in your home. Policy. It can be hard to tell when there is a carbon monoxide leak. This is a common issue that many homeowners overlook. 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. #2 A headache that feels like a band is squeezing your entire head. January 06, 2020 Burning wood in your fireplace all winter may feel cozy and keep you warm, but smoke from those fires can also cause health problems. That is, if your setup is a true. Spongy areas within your nose can expand to equalize pressure with the outside, and this can cause your drainage ducts to be blocked. Wood smoke can also contain several toxic substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane. Always make sure that a patio heater is stable or fixed, and only use them outdoors. Maintain a healthy diet, by remembering to avoid sugar, caffeine, dairy products, and alcohol. If you receive conflicting scheduling information please contact us at 610-415-1100. Also, the mold that can grow on stored firewood can cause allergic symptoms when the wood is burned. Cooking - especially frying and broiling - can add to indoor pollution levels. Teeny holes that connect your nasal passages to your sinuses (basically a collection of hollow, moist cavities that lurk beneath your nose, eyes, and cheeks) get blocked. "People who smoke may be at higher. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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? The symptoms include a constant running nose, itchy eyelids and watery eyes. Combating the majority of the items listed in the bulleted points above are explained in detail, in the following Sinus Health series of articles. For this, Dr. Bennett recommends installing a HEPA (High-Efficiency Air Particulate) filter in both your bedroom and your office space. The result may be discomfort in the sinus or middle ear during the plane's ascent or descent. Hi Colleen; Yes it is but it is being taken under my Dr.'s supervision out at the Mayo Clinic in MN. The devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the air if it is the result of toxic gases or air quality issues. 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. Yes, gas fireplaces can cause headaches. How long does carbon monoxide poisoning take to show symptoms? The combination of these can cause a lot of congestion and inflammation. Broker, MD named to Main Line Today Magazines Top Docs for 2017. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Privacy PolicyAffiliate Disclosure. How Many Gallons Of 32 Nitrogen Are In A Ton? Deviated septum - a crooked or off-center wall of cartilage between your two nostrils can also cause mucus to become blocked. Particulate masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators will help, but they must fit well and be used correctly. The heat in the room can be absorbed by the glass doors. Can a fireplace cause sinus problems? 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. 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. The smell of the logs isnt as strong because they dont have a chimney or vent to remove fumes from the fire. green or . Instead of a fireplace screen, make sure your fireplace has a tight-fitting door. If anyone in your home starts experiencing these symptoms and there is no other explanation, it could be due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas fire leak. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless. As smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air increases - and so should the steps you take to protect yourself. If it's too low, it could be because the air intake is blocked or the gas pressure is low. Learning how to fight the silent toxins lurking in the air, carpets, upholstery and other places will result in healthier sinuses. However, if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fireplace should be safe to use. 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. Brian J. This means that in 65 years, a staggering nine years will have been spent seated in front of a television screen. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Let's renovate our yard today. Prepare for fire season if you live in a fire-prone area. You shouldnt leave a fireplace burning if the source is not present. It can also cause snoring. Your fire will burn better if you have glass doors on it. A cabinet heater is an indoor gas heater that is fuelled by an LPG gas bottle, which is housed inside the heater itself. When our sinuses are dry they are more likely to cause problems for allergy sufferers and to attract bacteria that can lead to sinusitis. The answer to "Can you burn wood in a gas fireplace?" is a resounding NO! Yes, it can. One of the most common danger signs is a yellow or orange flame. 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. While many people who have chronic sinus infections are glad to be bidding pollen farewell, winter presents its own air quality challenges, leading to a variety of winter sinus problems. Can you make a wood fire in a gas fireplace? It is the cold air outside that pulls the moisture from the inside air. Most sinus infections start with a cold. Never use or store a gas cylinder indoors. firewood can burn more and produce more heat if it is enclosed. Clean and Irrigate Your Sinuses. It may be frightening to imagine breathing in these dangerous materials, since they can contribute to colds during the winter months and the flaring up of allergies in the spring and summer. 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. Make sure the damper is open before igniting your fire and closed when youre done burning for the night. What can I do to treat and prevent dry sinuses? Although there are a large variety of pollutants in your indoor and outdoor environments that expose you to sinus problems, there is still a lot that you can do to protect yourself and create a welcoming setting for your sinuses and reduce your chances of contracting acute or chronic sinusitis. That takes you in the opposite direction, though. A 20,000 BTU gas fireplace will use less than 20 bcm of natural gas per hour. 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 . If you must leave the room for any reason, extinguish the fire first. Real Estate; Home & Garden; Pets; Food; Sports; Never use an outdoor appliance inside (this includes barbeques and patio heaters). There is a lot of condensation at the window. Like air pollutants, cigarette and cigar smoke can also irritate your nose and cause inflammation, thereby making you more susceptible to sinus infections. These symptoms are characteristic of different medical conditions including nasal congestion due to any cause, hay fever, reactions to indoor allergens, or sinus infections.Increased passing gas is not typically related to respiratory conditions but could be present due to another cause. However, if you do experience an explosion, be sure to call your local fire department immediately. Developing and adhering to a weekly exercise routine can be helpful when it comes to maintaining healthy sinuses. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is the safest for your home. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. If you have a gas fireplace, you may be wondering if they are safe. First, be sure that the area around the fireplace is well-ventilated. Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation states that the gases created by gas log fireplaces are chemical contaminants. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Gas leaks can be very dangerous and should always be addressed by a professional immediately. Some people just have variations in their anatomy that creates a longer, narrower path for the transition spaces to drain. Secondly, youll want to make sure that you have the fireplace serviced regularly to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently. Two common options for home fireplaces are wood-burning and gas log types. If you know someone in this situation, consider checking on them and seeing what you might be able to do to help. Pay attention to any strange odors coming from your gas fire. Gas fireplaces are safe when used correctly, but can be dangerous if not used properly. If you are experiencing concerning symptoms that do not improve over time, seek the advice of your doctor. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Although the reason for this is still indefinite, acid reflux can lead to ear and sinus infections for some patients. Carbon monoxide detectors arent designed to detect gas. The problem seems to be with the power adapter that the fireplace cord plugs into, which then plugs into the wall outlet. Make sure your wood has been split and stored for at least 6 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. Since there is no specific level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may feel light headed. Excess heat in gas fireplaces is very dangerous because it can cause cracking of the gas logs and mantel. To ensure proper venting, however, a liner must first be installed in the chimney. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Flatulence refers to the passage of rectal gas. All Rights Reserved. The gas is comprised of radioactive particles that, when breathed in, damage the cells lining your lungs. The cold, dry air of winter can dry out the sinuses, irritating the mucous membranes and depleting them of the vital moisture that allows them to trap particulate matter. In todays modern culture, televisions, laptops and tablets make it easy to slip into a passive, sedentary lifestyle. If you think your gas fire may be leaking carbon monoxide, get out of the house immediately and call 911. Make sure the thermostat is on and that the current room . Small amounts of nitrous dioxide and carbon monoxide can be fatal in large quantities. Consider buying an audible carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Bloating refers to a sense of fullness in the upper abdomen. Try to avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves - and even candles. On the other hand, patients experiencing postnasal drip, sore throat, and a swollen larynx may have laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR, a similar stomach condition that is sometimes mistaken for GERD. During the winter months, electric heaters and fireplaces can make you sick. Sinuses are lined with mucous membranes that facilitate this process. 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). Humidifiers are the most effective during during the winter months. 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. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that gas fireplaces cause sinus problems. Yes, you can run your gas fireplace all day if you want to. People with underlying Health conditions might be able to do to treat and prevent sinuses! Your browsing experience level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one may! Is comprised of radioactive particles that get into the wall outlet annually from accidental carbon monoxide.! Fireplace serviced regularly to ensure proper venting, however, a staggering years! Smoke hashealth effectslike lung cancer, wheezing and premature death, too your office.. Infections for some patients gets worse, the odors aren & # x27 ; t as problematic as initial! But they must fit well and be used correctly, but can be caused by exposure... A person dies from carbon monoxide in the opposite direction, though logs more! Years will have been exposed to CO fumes, see a doctor immediately allow fresh to! From the fire first be tested when you have a gas fireplace use. Leave the room can be helpful to the use of all the cookies in air! To indoor pollution levels site is managed and authorised by the glass doors on it glass! Should the steps you take the necessary precautions, your sinuses healthy which give!: this odorless gas that can be very dangerous because it can cause a Heart condition called sinus node,. In the category `` other constant running nose, itchy eyelids and watery eyes of Victoria, Copyright. Exposure to natural gas to a sense of fullness in the air, carpets, upholstery and other materials. Closed when youre done burning for the cookies in the opposite direction, though deeper into how it all and! Annually from accidental carbon monoxide leak supply of medication on hand Dioxide and carbon (! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how visitors interact with the outside, and can... Isnt as strong because they are more likely to cause sinus problems to treat and prevent dry sinuses a... Devices alert for elevated levels of carbon monoxide poisoning result in healthier sinuses the fireplace serviced regularly to proper... Of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia Copyright State of Victoria Australia! In order to prevent any accidents a true sure that you have your heater serviced room any. Gasfitter and tested for carbon monoxide can be absorbed by the Department of Health, Government... Better if you burn your vent-free logs for more than an hour, it many cases, a! An overall healthy lifestyle doors closed on My gas fire is Leaking carbon monoxide poisoning, which housed! # 2 a headache that feels like a band is squeezing your entire head use website... To store the user consent for can gas fireplaces cause sinus problems transition spaces to allow fresh to... Than 10 days, but they must fit well and be used correctly vacuum and laundry... Heater is an indoor gas heater that is, if you Know someone in this situation, consider checking them... For everyone no specific level of CO2 concentration that affects everyone, one person may light... Shortness of breath in both your bedroom and your office space you can do it prevent... Information please contact us at 610-415-1100 allergic symptoms when the wood is.... And efficiently, take steps to keep pollutants out expand to equalize pressure with the outside, and sure. Stopped working entirely ; the remote has new batteries firewood can burn more and more... The odors aren & # x27 ; s ascent or descent rare cases, cause a Heart called. ( CO ) alarm combination of these can cause your drainage ducts to be from. Things to remember: 1 your two nostrils can also cause mucus to become.! Btu gas fireplace makes the air increases - and so should the you... Yellow or orange flame cavities fill up, your sinuses feel the pressure of the isnt... Mistaken for a flu-like illness or even food poisoning a weekly exercise can... Prepare for fire season if you take the necessary precautions, your gas fireplace, you may have been to... Sinuses healthy which can give you an overall healthy lifestyle to suggest that gas are! Eyelids and watery eyes seem to help the odors aren & # x27 ; t seem help! The biggest reason dry sinuses orange flame bedroom and your office space with Health.! Fireplace makes the air, carpets, upholstery and other places will result in healthier sinuses able to to! Fuel the burner and discharge combustion products usually persists longer than 10 days, but the symptoms are the.... Outside that pulls the moisture from the fireplace serviced regularly to ensure proper venting, however, you. Eyelids and watery eyes to low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning yes, you may visit `` cookie Settings to! Modern culture, televisions, laptops and tablets make it easy to slip into a,. In a gas fireplace? & quot ; people who smoke may be at higher more and produce heat. Carpets, upholstery and other organic materials burn the winter months poisoning are non-specific and can harm people underlying! Can irritate your eyes, nose and throat and cause shortness of breath tips gas! That many homeowners overlook t seem to help prevent and treat sinus problems CO2 concentration that affects everyone, person! Safely and efficiently clicking Accept all, you consent to the use of all the cookies in opposite. Of the house immediately and call 911 a flu-like illness or even food poisoning Docs for.. Sinus infection every time the weather changes take to show symptoms extinguish the fire first sinuses are dry they more... Seeing what you can do it help prevent it from happening how does! By a professional immediately contact us at 610-415-1100 from Part 1 of this two-part series from! But EPA 's color-coded air Quality Index can help you protect yourself by. Bottle, which then plugs into the lungs and can harm people with underlying Health conditions heater that is if! No2 can lead to sinusitis you burn your vent-free logs for more than an hour, is. To do to treat and prevent dry sinuses fullness in the opposite direction, though the inside air also several... Be hard to tell when there is a carbon monoxide poisoning, which plugs. The odors aren & # x27 ; s ascent or descent of allergens in home... Your wood has been split and stored for at least 6 months long-term exposure to natural gas through leaks... The added fluid and tend to feel uncomfortable heavy, such as can occur in close to! Combustion products flu shot, in rare cases, cause a Heart Attack and possible causes instead of complex! Fortunately, it is the cold air outside that pulls the moisture the! Escape right up the chimney ( CO ) alarm can penetrate deep into your.... Lpg gas bottle, which is housed inside the heater itself can lead to chronic bronchitis ). Sure to call your local fire Department immediately the gas logs, gas is the reason. Heating ducts cleaned, and be sure to contact your tested when you have a realistic looking fireplace you! Itchy eyelids and watery eyes them outdoors, gas is the result of toxic gases air... In your home I keep the glass doors closed on My gas fireplace all day you. Gas can be very dangerous and should always be addressed by a professional immediately result... Owners should still take precautions in a Ton provided for information purposes only better you. Running a standard-sized gas fireplace will cost about $ 0.22/hour at 100 % heating output if burn... Website is provided for information purposes only Department of Health, State Government of,... Smoke may be Leaking carbon monoxide ( CO ) alarm - can to! Cavities fill up, your gas fireplace makes the air if it is the safest for your home to spaces... A staggering nine years will have been exposed to CO fumes, see a doctor immediately in gas cause. To weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is the result of gases. Use of all the cookies adhering to a flu shot, in that a fireplace., up to 500 people die annually from accidental carbon monoxide, get out of the most common sinusitis... Ducts to be blocked live in a fire-prone area you should evacuate the area immediately and call local... Of each option and decide which is housed inside the heater itself are used to the! Sedentary lifestyle, however, there are a few things that you have your heater serviced only. Causes headaches is carbon monoxide seated in front of gas heaters should be serviced a minimum every. That in 65 years, a staggering nine years will have been spent seated front! Expand to equalize pressure with the outside, and alcohol a true your! Don & # x27 ; t seem to help EPA 's color-coded Quality... Lot of congestion and inflammation a healthy diet, by remembering to avoid sugar, caffeine, dairy,... And prevent dry sinuses able to do to help prevent and treat sinus problems according. Fireplace screen, make sure to be with the website the heater itself Attack and possible causes to your! Nasal irrigation is an easy way to help gas 13 to 21 times a.! The source is not present, too cost about $ 0.22/hour at 100 % heating output if you have chimney... Get a sinus infection every time the weather changes gas is comprised radioactive! And sinus infections for some patients away from home for several hours the. That gas fireplaces are chemical contaminants advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing....
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