Motion Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention

[LoShiNi]

What causes motion sickness and who gets it?

Motion sickness is also called seasickness, carsickness, or airsickness, depending on the way you travel. You develop it when your brain gets confused signals from your eyes and inner ear (which is responsible for balance). For example, you can get it when you’re in cabin of a ship, and your inner ear senses motion, but your eyes don’t see it. It can be the opposite, such as when you’re on a smooth car ride, and your eyes see movement, but your inner ear doesn’t sense it. You can develop motion sickness not only when you’re traveling, but also during a rollercoaster ride and while playing videogames or watching fast-paced movies.

Some groups of people are more likely to get motion sickness, such as pregnant women and women during their periods, children aged from 2 to 12, people who suffer from migraines (migraines and motion sickness can happen simultaneously) and people who have a fear of travelling.

What are the symptoms of motion sickness?

Apart from nausea and vomiting, symptoms of motion sickness can include the following:

- general sense of feeling unwell;

- sweating;

- headaches;

- dizziness;

- drowsiness;

- pale skin;

- increased salivation.

Symptoms subside after the motion stops.

If your symptoms continue after you’ve stopped traveling, see you doctor – they may be a sign of an infection of your inner ear (labyrinthitis).


How is motion sickness treated or prevented?

There are over-the-counter drugs designed specifically to treat motion sickness. Antihistamines and anti-vomiting drugs can also help prevent the symptoms. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which medicines will be the most effective for you or your child. These drugs are the most effective if taken before the start of your journey.

Some people find complementary therapies, such as acupressure bands and ginger (ginger supplement or other ginger products, e.g. tea), helpful, but there is little scientific evidence on their effectiveness. If you’re going to try ginger, make sure it doesn’t interfere with medications you’re taking.

Here are some other tips that may help prevent motion sickness:

- refrain from consuming alcohol and caffeine and eating large meals before your trip;

- stay hydrated by drinking plain water;

- you can also drink ginger ale;

- you can eat something light, such as dry crackers;

- try to remain calm, because worrying can bring on the symptoms;

- find a distraction, such as listening to music, focusing on your breathing, or fixing your eyes on the horizon;

- close your eyes, keep your head still, or lie down if you can;

- choose a cabin or seat in the middle of a boat or plane to experience less movement;

- get some fresh air if possible;

- if you’re in car, sit in the front seat;

- to avoid so-called “sympathy vomiting”, try to avoid people who are sick or may become sick.