Planning a getaway this summer? Maybe you’re contemplating a little cruise on the Atlantic, a cross-country car trip, or maybe your plans involve a long international plane ride. You packed some snacks, put together a CD playlist, the kids have their iPod, and you even googled travel games on the computer in case the Wi-Fi goes out. You’ve done everything you can to make sure the trip goes off without a hitch. But, as they say, it’s all fun and games, until someone gets motion sickness.
What is Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness may go right up there with deja vu when it comes to examples of the human brain working in mysterious ways. While exact causes of the sickness, known medically as ketosis, are not fully understood, most experts agree that it occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages from different parts of the body that respond to motions. The sensory confusion creates dizziness, which activates the brain’s ‘vomiting control center,’ and the result of this is probably not going to be one of the more pleasant memories from your vacation.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of motion sickness are; a general feeling of illness, nausea, vomiting, headache and sweating. Symptoms tend to go away after the movement stops.
How Is It Treated?
If you want to prepare for motion sickness, you may want to put some pharmaceuticals on your packing list. Some of these medications require a prescription and should be taken before traveling for best results. The best medicines for reduction of nausea and vomiting are:
- Scopolamine
This comes in the form of a patch which can be placed behind the ear - Antiemetic
This reduces nausea. Examples include ondansetron, or Zofran, and prochlorperazine, or Compazine. - Antihistamine
Some antihistamines, like dimenhydrinate, Dramamine, and meclizine, Antivert or Bonine, relieve nausea, but they also may cause drowsiness.
If You Find Yourself in The Throes of Motion Sickness, You May Want To Try The Following:
- Eat some dry soda crackers
- Drink something clear and fizzy, like ginger ale
- Get some fresh air
- Lie down, or try not to move your head
Avoiding Motion System
Of course prevention is the best medication. If you know you are prone to motion sickness:
- Keep your head as still as possible
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before traveling
- Avoid eating and drinking during short trips
- Avoid strong smells and spicy foods
In The Car
If motion sickness hits you while you’re in a car, try and sit in the front seat and avoid reading and watching TV.
In A Plane
If the plane travel triggers your motion sickness, eat small easy to digest meals before and during a long flight to reduce nausea and vomiting and request a seat near the wings.
On A Ship
Sea sickness is the most common form of seasickness. If you’re planning sea travel, your best strategy is to book a cabin near the middle of the ship near the waterline. Try and sit in the middle of the boat, get as much fresh air as possible and keep your eyes focussed on a fixed point on the horizon.
Other Methods
You may hear of the efficacy of taking powdered ginger capsules or wearing acupressure wristbands to prevent motion sickness. Although they are safe to use, there is no evidence of their helpfulness.
Do you suffer motion sickness? Let us know what you do to prevent it from turning your dream destination into a travel nightmare.
