Anne Arundel Today

Sinus and inner ear problems have at times affected British skeleton racer Lizzy Yarnold.

In fact, an ear infection and sinus headaches nearly destroyed her bid at a gold medal in the 2018 Winter Olympics. 

Yarnold had not expected sinus and inner ear symptoms to disrupt her time at the Winter Olympics that year. A vestibular disorder in her inner ear was the cause of her problems. These issues are very common, but for Yarnold, it was particularly bad timing.

“The studies show that it certainly contributes to a loss of vitality, productivity and quality of life," Dr. Jamie Oberman of Frederick Breathe Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers told Anne Arundel Today.

Another symptom Yarnold experienced were sinus headaches, but with no congestion, possibly caused by a new, colder climate she wasn't used to in PyeongChang. Her first professional event was in 2010, and she won gold medals at the Winter Olympics in both 2014 and 2018. A chest infection almost stood in her way in 2018, which made it a struggle for Yarnold to speak or breathe. 

This was the result of a vestibular disorder in the inner ear called labrynthitis. Labrynthitis is initiated by inflammation the labyrinth, which is in the inner ear. The inflammation is caused by a bacterial, or in some cases, viral infection. 

Yarnold treated her problems with home care and came from behind to win gold as her symptoms finally began to improve.

As with Yarnold, many infections such as these end within ten days. Those that last longer are more serious and require treatment to avoid worsening symptoms, especially for someone with a history of chronic sinus infections and headaches.