Pulaski Times

Sinus infections and inner ear issues were nothing new to Lizzy Yarnold, but when symptoms flared up during the start of the skeleton competition at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, she had two challenges: the global field and her health issues.

Yarnold developed a chest infection as she arrived in the country and as the symptoms from her sinus infection continued to slow her, The Sun noted that it was assumed the Yarnold climate, which was colder than the British athlete was used to, was to blame. However, the publication noted that the issues were attributed to a vestibular disorder affecting the inner ear, and she was experiencing difficulty with her breathing and speech, accompanied by headaches with no signs of congestion and vertigo. All of the symptoms can come together as the result of one tract going into the lungs, according to Dr. Daniel Mongiardo of the Mongiardo Sleep and Sinus Center.

“The whole areas of respiratory tract — so the nose, the ears — it's all one respiratory tract going down into the lungs," he said in a statement.

Competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics marked Yarnold’s eighth year of competition, according to Yarnold’s Wikipedia page, and earned her second skeleton gold medal following up her success during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.  As the sinus infection took hold, according to Wikipedia, she turned to home remedies. As the competition progressed, she was in third place and in danger of failing to earn a medal. The page also noted that while the remedies weren’t immediately effective, the British athlete persisted and got her symptoms under control and she took home the gold.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the impact of acute sinusitis, which is said can result in the inflammation of the sinuses, can ultimately impact drainage and result in mucus buildup. According to the clinic website, a bacterial sinus infection sparked by a cold can often clear up within 10 days. However, if the symptoms persist, or if you have a family history of sinus allergies or sinusitis, seek medical attention.

According to NHS inform, a Scottish website, the problems are often the result of a bacterial infection, but in some rare cases can also be driven by a viral infection. The website also noted that the infections can often treated with home remedies and medication.