East Central Alabama News

British skeleton athlete Lizzy Yarnold in recent years has battled sinus infections and inner ear problems, and these issues nearly kept her from capturing a gold medal at the 2018 Olympics.

During the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Yarnold was dealing with the affects of a sinus infection as she competed in the skeleton competition, according to The Sun. As a result, she was dealing with vertigo and sinus headaches, according to the news outlet, symptoms that were sparked by a vestibular disorder that was playing havoc with her inner ear. The outlet also noted that she was dealing breathing issues attributed to the climate that was much colder than what she was used to. Her issues demonstrate just how a sinus infection can sideline anyone, even an Olympic athlete. 

“The studies show that it certainly contributes to a loss of vitality, productivity and quality of life,” said Dr. Jamie Oberman of the Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers in Frederick, Md.

Lizzy Yarnold competes in 2017. A sinus infection nearly sidelined her in the 2018 Olympics. | Wikipedia

Skeleton was a passion for Yarnold, who according to her Wikipedia page had been competing professionally in skeleton since 2010 and had won gold in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Returning to compete in 2018, she battled a chest infection and also had problems with speaking and breathing, according to Wikipedia. 

Yarnold tried some home remedies that did little to alleviate the sinus infection or any of its symptoms, according to the Wikipedia page, and she was in danger of failing to repeat as the gold medal winner, though she remained in medal contention in third place. The page noted that she was able to control the issues and capture gold. 

According to NHS Inform, Yarnold’s vestibular disorders are often known as labyrinthitis, and are frequently  attributed to inflammation of the labyrinth in the inner ear. In most cases, these issues are caused by a bacterial infection, through in rare occurrences, it can be driven by a viral infection.  

The Mayo Clinic, on its website notes that a bacterial sinus infection can often be controlled within 10 days, and a cold is frequently the cause the issue. However, if the symptoms persist, or if you have a history of sinusitis or sinus allergies, it is recommended that you seek the attention of a sinus specialist.