Travel sickness, or motion sickness, is a common problem that affects many individuals. It can occur during travel by various means such as cars, trains, buses, boats, planes, and even amusement rides. Additionally, it can also manifest when viewing moving images on screens like movies, TV shows, virtual reality, and computer animations.
While motion sickness can impact anyone, some individuals may be more prone to it than others. Infants and toddlers are less likely to experience it, but children aged 2-12 years tend to be more susceptible. Fortunately, many individuals outgrow motion sickness, but for those who don’t, there are ways to manage or prevent it, making travel more enjoyable for them and their companions.
Factors Influencing Motion Sickness
The intensity of motion determines how quickly and severely motion sickness develops. Even individuals who rarely experience motion sickness can feel unwell with intense movements.
Symptoms like uneasiness, sweating, dry mouth, burping, nausea, occasional vomiting (more common in children), dizziness, headaches, and drowsiness may occur. It’s possible for some people to only experience symptoms on specific modes of transport, feeling fine on a train but getting seasick on a boat.
Nausea and headaches may persist for hours after the motion stops. Some individuals may feel a sensation of motion lingering for hours to days after disembarking from a boat.
Causes of Travel Sickness
Motion triggers travel sickness due to the discrepancy between the movement sensed by the inner ear and what is visually perceived. This conflicting information sent to the brain can lead to discomfort.
Factors like age (2-12 years), pregnancy, migraines, family history of motion sickness, and menstruation in women can increase susceptibility to travel sickness. To prevent or alleviate symptoms, certain situations like traveling on an empty stomach, sitting at the back of a moving vehicle, facing backwards, reading, or using electronic devices should be avoided.
Outgrowing Motion Sickness
Many children tend to outgrow motion sickness as they get older. Travel sickness typically peaks around puberty and improves during adolescence and adulthood.
One theory as to why people outgrow motion sickness is that the inner ear, which plays a key role in balance and motion detection, becomes less sensitive over time. As the inner ear matures, it becomes better at adapting to motion, leading to a decreased likelihood of experiencing motion sickness.
Seeking Medical Advice
Although many can self-diagnose motion sickness, consulting a doctor is advisable if frequent or severe symptoms occur during travel. Your doctor can evaluate for other conditions and recommend treatments to manage motion sickness.
While specific tests for motion sickness aren’t available, experiencing sickness while reading in a moving vehicle can indicate susceptibility to travel sickness.
It is important to inform your doctor of any medications you may be taking, as some can worsen motion sickness symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend strategies such as getting fresh air, focusing on the horizon, or taking over-the-counter or prescription medications to help alleviate symptoms.
Self-Care Measures and Medications
There are several self-care measures and medications that can help prevent and treat motion sickness. It may require experimenting with different techniques to determine what works best for you. Planning ahead and gradually exposing yourself to travel can reduce sensitivity to motion sickness.
Some common self-care measures for motion sickness include:
- Avoiding large meals and alcohol before traveling
- Choosing a seat where motion is felt the least, such as the front seat of a car or the middle of a boat
- Focusing on the horizon or a fixed point to help stabilize your senses
- Getting fresh air by opening a window or stepping outside during travel
Medications that can help alleviate motion sickness symptoms include over-the-counter options like dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine). There are also prescription medications available for more severe cases of motion sickness.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any medication for motion sickness, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Preventive Strategies for Motion Sickness
It’s recommended to start with self-care measures before turning to medications for mild cases of motion sickness.
Tips for Prevention
Consume a light snack before travel to avoid an empty stomach, which can worsen motion sickness. Opt for plain crackers and avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy meals, as well as alcohol.
- Preferably, choose the front seat of a car for a smoother ride.
- When taking buses, trains, or trams, sit near the front in a window seat facing forward.
- For flights, select a seat over the front edge of the wing for a less turbulent experience.
- On ships, opt for a cabin at the front or middle, close to the waterline where movement is minimal.
Practical Approaches
Practice controlled breathing at a steady rate and depth to prevent and alleviate symptoms.
Keep your head still using pillows or headrests. Secure your seatbelt tightly during turbulence and avoid excessive head movements during take-off and landing.
Focus your gaze on the horizon, road, or a stationary object to minimize symptoms. In the absence of external sights, close your eyes. Steer clear of strong odors, stay cool, recline or lie down if possible, and distract children to reduce discomfort.
Avoid reading or using electronic devices while in motion as this can exacerbate symptoms of motion sickness.
Medications for Motion Sickness
Various medications like antihistamines and hyoscine hydrobromide can help manage motion sickness. It’s advisable to use these medicines sparingly, take them before traveling, and consult healthcare professionals or pharmacists, especially for children.
It’s important to note that some medications may cause drowsiness, so it’s recommended not to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking them. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol while taking these medications, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
If you experience severe motion sickness or if the medications are not effective, it’s best to see a doctor for further evaluation and possible alternative treatments.
Addressing Motion Sickness on Boats
Travelers on large boats, such as cruise ships, may face challenges due to sea conditions. Medications like promethazine injections and hyoscine can provide relief for severe motion sickness. These medications may induce drowsiness, so caution is advised if tasks requiring full attention need to be performed.
Severe motion sickness on extended cruises can lead to dehydration from persistent vomiting. Seek assistance from the ship’s doctor, as intravenous fluids may be necessary in such cases.
Alternative Treatments for Motion Sickness
Individuals who can’t avoid travel and don’t respond to self-care measures may benefit from habituation or cognitive behavioral therapy to desensitize to motion and manage anxiety. Treating migraines can also improve motion sickness symptoms.
In addition to therapy and migraine treatment, some alternative treatments for motion sickness include acupuncture, acupressure, ginger supplements, and over-the-counter medications like dimenhydrinate or meclizine. These options can help alleviate symptoms for those who are prone to motion sickness.
Natural Remedies for Motion Sickness
Natural remedies like acupressure, ginger, or aromatherapy can be beneficial for managing motion sickness. Most individuals can control their symptoms using these tips and treatments, and many eventually outgrow motion sickness.
Managing Motion Sickness in Children
Car sickness shares symptoms with motion sickness and is particularly common in children. Increased sensitivity in the ear can contribute to balance problems. Ways to manage motion sickness in young children include using anti-motion sickness medication and providing suitable entertainment.
In addition to medication and entertainment, there are several other strategies that can help alleviate motion sickness in children. Encouraging them to look out the window and focus on a stable object in the distance can help reduce feelings of nausea. It’s also important to ensure they have access to fresh air, either by cracking a window or turning on the air conditioning.
Another helpful tip is to schedule breaks during long car rides, allowing children to stretch their legs and take a break from the motion. Providing light snacks and plenty of water can also help settle their stomachs. Finally, making sure children are well-rested before embarking on a journey can reduce their susceptibility to motion sickness.
Handling Dizziness in Children
In young children, motion sickness typically manifests as dizziness or a preference for lying down. Encouraging rest and offering small sips of water until symptoms subside can help. If symptoms persist beyond eight hours, consult a pediatrician.
Consulting a Pediatrician
If your child continues to experience dizziness or unsteadiness, it’s advisable to seek advice from a pediatrician. These symptoms could indicate other balance issues or vertigo.
Exceptional Pediatric Care
For exceptional pediatric care, including routine immunizations, consider seeking services at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s.
Unlocking More Insights
Explore further information below.
Understanding Motion Sickness Symptoms
Nausea, dizziness, or vomiting experienced during travel is classified as motion sickness and can also result from activities like gaming or being on moving platforms.
Decoding the Brain’s Response to Motion
Motion sickness arises when the brain receives conflicting signals about the body’s position. Sitting and focusing indoors while in motion can exacerbate these symptoms.
The sensation of motion sickness stems from conflicting sensory messages.
The Commonality of Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is prevalent and can affect anyone subjected to intense motion. The duration and intensity of symptoms may vary.
Demystifying Motion Sickness Susceptibility
More commonly experienced by children and women, motion sickness can arise during diverse activities, including playing video games. Symptoms vary, and certain individuals may be more prone to it than others.
Recognizing Motion Sickness Symptoms
Symptoms of motion sickness may encompass nausea, vomiting, sweating, increased saliva, feeling cold, and paleness.
Understanding Motion Sickness Recovery
While symptoms typically subside after travel, in some instances, they may persist for hours or even days.
Preventive Strategies for Motion Sickness
Methods to Avoid Motion Sickness
Avoid heavy meals before travel and opt for light carbohydrate snacks. Take breaks on extended journeys to breathe fresh air and stretch your legs.
Reducing Motion Exposure
Select specific seating locations to minimize motion exposure. Stay on deck while on boats and steer clear of engine odors.
Maintaining a Comfortable Environment
Breathe fresh air and avoid strong odors. Keep your eyes closed or listen to music to distract your brain.
Alleviating Motion Sensitivity
Keep your eyes closed, refrain from reading, listen to music, or take a nap to reduce motion sensitivity. Focus on a fixed point slightly above the horizon to minimize symptoms.
Drivers are less likely to experience motion sickness, possibly due to their focus on the road. Sitting in the front seat and observing what the driver sees can be beneficial.
Additional Recommendations
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before embarking on a journey. Drink cold water or sweet fizzy beverages like Cola or ginger ale during travel.
Use of Acupressure Bands
Consider using Sea-Bands® for acupressure to alleviate motion sickness. Homeopathic remedies can also be effective.
Coping Strategies for Motion Sickness
Practice deep breathing, listen to music, and employ relaxation techniques to reduce motion sickness. Ginger is known to be effective for some individuals.
Natural Remedies
In addition to medications, there are several natural remedies that can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness. Ginger, for example, has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. You can consume ginger in various forms, such as ginger tea, ginger chews, or ginger supplements.
Other Tips
In addition to medication and natural remedies, there are several other tips you can follow to help prevent motion sickness. Sitting in the front seat of a vehicle or in the middle of a boat can help minimize motion sickness. Avoiding heavy meals, alcohol, and strong odors before traveling can also help reduce symptoms. Taking slow, deep breaths and focusing on a fixed point in the distance can help alleviate feelings of nausea.
It is important to experiment with different remedies and techniques to find what works best for you. Motion sickness can be a debilitating condition, but with the right treatment and prevention strategies, you can enjoy travel without the discomfort of motion sickness.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or natural remedy to ensure it is safe and effective for you.