Bloomington Leader

A sinus infection and inner ear problems almost caused British Olympic gold medalist Lizzy Yarnold to miss out on taking home the gold in the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Competing professionally since 2010, Yarnold 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 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 than she was used to, and she experiencing vertigo and sinus headaches without congestion.

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

“It waxes and wanes and comes and goes, and then a little bit of nasal congestion will seem to exacerbate it. It just really bothers them quite a bit, and when it gets worse, they have fluid behind the ears and bigger problems.” Dr. Nicholas Hollenkamp of Indianapolis Sinus Center told the Bloomington Leader.

Most bacterial infections clear up within 10 days and are typically caused by a common cold. You should see a otolaryngologist if things do not clear up after a few weeks, symptoms get worse or you have a history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches.