Chico Times

Sinus and ear infections can bring down even the world's top athletes during a competition.

British skeleton racer Lizzy Yarnold has previously struggled with inner ear problems, a struggle that almost kept her from taking home the gold in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Competing professionally since 2010, she previously won gold in the 2014 Winter Olympics and again in 2018. She is the most successful skeleton racer from any country.

Shortly after arriving at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, she 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 during the events 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 to take home the winning gold medal 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.

“The goal of the treatment is to relieve that blockage of the eustachian tube to relieve that chronic inflammation, so it starts opening and closing and letting the air exchange,” Dr. Glenn Waldman of Bella Vista  ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery told Chico Times.

According to Mayo Clinic, most bacterial infections clear up within 10 days and are typically caused by a common cold. You should see a otolaryngologist after several weeks if symptoms get worse or you have a history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis and sinus headache.