Central Nova News

Even the most talented athletes can be brought down by sinus and ear infections.

British Olympic gold medalist Lizzy Yarnold has struggled with sinus infection and inner ear problems in the past, a struggle that almost kept her from winning gold in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Competing professionally since 2010, she previously won gold in the 2014 Winter Olympics and again in 2018, according to Wikipedia. She is the most successful British Winter Olympian and the most successful Olympic skeleton athlete of all time from any country. 

Shortly after arriving at the 2018 Olympics, Yarnold developed a chest infection, which intensified to the point that she was having trouble speaking and breathing. The Sun reported that her issues were caused by a vestibular disorder affecting the inner ear. She also revealed having trouble breathing in a new, much colder climate in PyeongChang and experiencing vertigo and sinus headaches without congestion.

Yarnold tried many home remedies for sinus headaches in an attempt to dull the symptoms of her condition. After falling to third place, she was somehow able to overcome her symptoms and take home the winning gold medal in skeleton in 2018.

Vestibular disorders affecting the inner ear are sometimes referred to as "labrynthitis." According to NHS (National Health Service) Inform, labrynthitis is caused by inflammation of part of the inner ear known as the labyrinth. The inflammation comes from an infection, which is usually bacterial, or in some cases, viral.

“A proper functioning eustachian tube can help prevent that buildup and allow things to drain properly,” Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Central Nova News.

According to Mayo Clinic, most bacterial infections clear up within 10 days and are typically caused by the common cold. You should see a otolaryngologist when things do not clear up after several weeks, symptoms get worse or you have a history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis and sinus headache.