Some people experience motion sickness while traveling which occurs due to repeated movements, moving up/down which confuses your nervous system. The eye transmits different signals to your brain than what your ear understands. Well, this confusion makes you feel sick or throw up.

This blog would help you know the causes, signs, treatment, best pills, and preventive measures for motion sickness.

 

Signs & Symptoms you can experience with motion sickness

  • Pale skin
  • Nausea &vomiting
  • Cold sweats
  • Dizziness
  • Increased salivation
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

 

What are the causes of motion sickness?

This problem occurs when your inner ear, body, and eyes send clashing signals to your brain. It occurs when you are in a boat, car, or aircraft. It can also occur when you are enjoying rides in amusement parks or flight simulators.

Some people get motion sickness while watching 3D movies too. After an individual gets habitual to the movement, the symptoms of motion sickness may stop. But, the symptoms can resume and some people get motion sickness just by thinking about a movement.

What are the risk factors linked to motion sickness?

  • Age between two to twelve years
  • Riding an airplane, boat or car, or other vehicles in motion
  • The risk of motion sickness is higher in women.
  • Lack of sleep
  • Use of drugs or alcohol
  • History of frequent nausea/vomiting, migraine, and anxiety.
  • Odors of cigarette smoke, exhaust, diesel, or some foods.
  • Insufficient ventilation inside the vehicle.
  • Pregnancy
  • Sitting away from a window or a back seat.

 

How motion sickness is diagnosed?

Your medical expert will ask you about the symptoms to know what is causing the issue. This problem doesn’t need any lab test for diagnosis.

 

Effective treatment options for motion sickness

The crucial aspect to consider while treating this condition is to know the underlying cause of this condition. The perfect way to treat this condition is to look for preventive measures rather than treating it.

The common preventive measure is to sync the message received by the sensory system and central nervous system. To do this, look outside the window to re-orient the inner coordination. You can also close your eyes and take a nap, breathe fresh air, and try ginger candy or chewing gum to relieve the symptoms.

You can use medicines to manage the symptoms. If you are a frequent traveler, you need to learn how to manage & prevent symptoms

  • Make necessary changes to your diet
  • Engage in physical exercise
  • Try acupuncture

 

Medications

Some medicines can cause drowsiness, so, ship crew, pilots, or others using heavy equipment/driving a vehicle should avoid taking them. These medicines help manage symptoms.

You can take this medicine 2 hours before you plan to travel. The effects of this medicine would last for 6-12 hours. Expected side effects are dry mouth and drowsiness.

  • Marezine

You can take this medicine half an hour before travel to get amazing benefits. It should not be taken by children below 6 years.

  • Bonine

Take this medicine one hour before traveling. You may face side effects like dry mouth & drowsiness after taking this tablet.

 

When is the treatment suggested for motion sickness?

If you get constant and ongoing symptoms of motion sickness such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, uneasiness, and drowsiness while traveling, then a doctor may suggest the treatment.

Who cannot opt for treatment for motion sickness?

It is a common condition that anybody can develop and it can subside on its own without treatment. It means if you notice motion sickness
symptoms that stay for a short period, you do not need any medicine to treat it.

How much time would it take to recover from morning sickness condition?

It is not a critical condition and gets treated automatically. With medicines like Phenergan, you can get rid of the symptoms. The side effects of the medicine resolve in some time.

In rare cases, it takes a few days/weeks to cure motion sickness completely.

Who can get motion sickness?

Mostly one in 3 people can suffer from this condition at some time. Children from ages 2-12, and women are at higher risk. But, the condition can occur in other age groups as well. The factors that result in this condition are

  • Menstrual periods
  • Inner ear problems
  • Hormonal birth control
  • Migraines
  • Parkinson’s disease

 

What are the preventive measures for motion sickness?

You can try some tips to avoid motion sicknesslike:

  • Try to occupy the front seat in your car
  • Avoid reading while traveling
  • Rest the head on the seat back to keep it stable.
  • Keep the air vents ON towards the face
  • Avoid smoking

 

Tips to prevent motion sickness while you are on a plane

  • Eat low-calorie snacks or meals a day before traveling by air.
  • Do not eat heavy or oily food or drink alcohol the night before boarding the flight.
  • Try to take the front seat of the aircraft.
  • Keep the air vent circulation ON towards the face.

 

Additional tips to prevent motion sickness

These are simple yet useful tips to prevent motion sickness

 

  • Drink & diet

Drink sufficient water. Eat bland, starchy, and low-fat foods before you travel. Do not eat heavy, spicy, or oily foods that can cause stomach upset. Do not engage in excessive smoking or drinking alcohol.

  • Herbs

Breathe in ginger, mint, or lavender scents. Try to suck hard candies of ginger and peppermint.

  • Distant gaze

Keep your book, tablet, or phone away and focus on a distant object.

  • Fresh air

Breathe fresh air by keeping the windows in your car open.

  • Pressure points

Wearing acupressure wristbands would help

  • Lie back

Lie back and close your eyes

 

When should I reach out to my medical expert?

You can call your medical expert if you notice

  • Facing motion sickness symptoms even when you are not engaged in a moving activity.
  • Observe dehydration signs
  • Prolonged nausea or vomiting.

 

What are the alternate options for treatment?

Preventive measures are the alternative treatment options for motion sickness. Acupressure and Acupuncture are quite useful as treatment options for this condition.

What are the guidelines to follow after treatment?

Motion sickness can recur and post-treatment guidelines include focusing on preventive measures. You can do some neck and head exercises to enhance inner ear balance. You can avoid constipation and dry mouth by drinking more water. Stay active to keep a synch between your sensory and nervous systems.

 

Can I get immediate relief from motion sickness?

Yes. You can change positions and distract yourself when you see the symptoms of motion sickness at the beginning itself. It will help you ease the symptoms and prevent them from getting severe. Drinking carbonated drinks or even water can also help.


Summary

Most of us get motion sickness at some other point in time. Nausea makes you vomit. It is not possible to overcome the movement that gets you sick especially while traveling. So, if you tend to get motion sickness, speak to your medical expert to learn the ways to prevent it or what to do when you face motion sickness. It will help you enjoy traveling without having to vomit or feel restless.