Question from A. Länger: I ride a road bike and a mountain bike, have completed a road bike alpine cross this year and have a total of around 6,500 kilometres on the clock. Unfortunately, I've had a cold for 14 days and this time there's no end in sight. Current symptoms: blocked nose, permanent headache (sinuses blocked), slight cough. Question: Can I resume light basic training on the roller? Are light runs or Nordic walking in the basic area advisable, or should I wait until the cold is completely gone? However, I tend to get a cold after sporting activities in winter. What do you recommend?
Answer from the expert: The symptoms described may be indicative of prolonged sinusitis. Headaches, nasal congestion and coughing are typical symptoms. As you repeatedly suffer from infections of this kind, a narrowing of the access to the paranasal sinuses is conceivable. Decongestant nasal drops or inhalation therapy with essential oils can provide short-term relief. In this case, only a surgical sinus fenestration can help permanently - after prior diagnosis by an ENT specialist. You should never exercise with an acute infection, as this delays healing or even worsens the infection. Bacterial infections are usually accompanied by fever or a high temperature, while viral infections often occur without a significant rise in temperature. The best way to estimate the extent of the infection is to examine the blood count. The most serious possible complication of training with an infection is myocarditis. During the infection-free period, hardening measures such as sauna or alternating showers are advisable.
