Abilene Times

For Lizzy Yarnold, sinus infections and inner ear issues were always a possibility. But when symptoms flared up during the start of the skeleton competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, she had to face off against two challengers: the global field and the effects of her sinus infection.

Upon her arrival in South Korea, Yarnold began to develop a chest infection and started showing symptoms of a sinus infection, a report on TheSun.co.uk said. Her trouble was initially blamed on the cold climate, which was colder than British athletes are typically used to. Her issues were ultimately traced to a vestibular disorder affecting the inner ear—she was experiencing difficulty with both breathing and speech, accompanied by vertigo and headaches but no signs of congestion.

Dr. Monty V. Trimble, otolaryngologist at Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, said the eustachian tube can be a key during such issues.

"Eustachian tube dysfunction is what happens when the eustachian tube that connects the back of the throat to the middle-ear space doesn't work properly," he said.

Yarnold had been a skeleton competitor for eight years by the time she stepped up to compete at the 2018 Winter Olympics, her Wikipedia page said. She was hoping to capture another gold medal in the event, following her success in the skeleton at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. 

Facing worsening symptoms, the page noted that Yarnold turned to home remedies. As the event in PyeongChang unfolded, she was in third place after her second run and in danger of failing to medal. Even through the home remedies were not having the desired effect, Yarnold was able to control the symptoms—including the headaches and vertigo—and compete at a high level. She took home the gold again, making her the most successful skeleton racer from any country.

Sinus infection issues can often be traced to a bacterial infection, Scottish website NHSinform.scot said in a report. In rare instances, they can also be traced to a viral infection. The report noted that the infections can often be treated with home remedies and medication.

Acute sinusitis—which is typically brought on by a common cold—can ultimately impact drainage and result in mucus buildup, a report by the Mayo Clinic said. A bacterial sinus infection will usually clear up within 10 days. Should the symptoms persist for longer or if you have a family history of chronic sinusitis or sinus headaches, it is important to seek medical attention.