SC Alaska News

British athlete Lizzy Yarnold has had problems with her sinuses and ear infections throughout her life, a problem that nearly derailed her attempt at competing in the 2018 Olympics. 

Yarnold did not anticipate cold symptoms creating problems for her at the Olympics. The change in climate and a vestibular disorder hurting her inner ear were the cause of her problems in those games. 

“The goal of the treatment is to relieve that blockage of the eustachian to relieve that chronic inflammation so it starts opening and closing and letting the air exchange,” Dr. Glenn E. Waldman of Bella Vista ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery, said in reference to ways to treat these issues.

Yarnold went pro in the sliding sport of skeleton in 2010 and had a successful career, winning gold in 2014 and 2018. However, in 2018 a chest infection that hampered her breathing and speaking complicated matters for her at the Olympics. Sometimes issues like this are called Labrynthitis. 

Labrynthitis is caused by inflammation of the area of the inner ear that is called the labyrinth. The inflammation occurs due to an infection from bacterial or sometimes viral causes. Even when using home remedies to treat these problems, Yarnold had to come from behind from bronze medal position to win her next gold medal. 

Bacterial infections usually subside in 10 days and are often caused by the common cold, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who have symptoms for longer durations should see a sinus inflammation specialist, as symptoms worsen over time. This is especially true for people with a history of recurrent or chronic sinusitis and sinus allergies.