What you need to know about motion sickness


What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness is a common disturbance of the inner ear that sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell. It is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat. Motion sickness is very common, and most people experience it at some time in their lives.

The symptoms of motion sickness

There are many symptoms of motion sickness you should watch for and report to a health care provider for example:
  • Uneasiness
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Who is at risk of motion sickness?

Children from 5 to 12 years old, pregnant women, and older adults are more likely to get motion sickness, although anyone that is traveling is at risk for motion sickness.
Other risks of developing this sickness include a person's fear or anxiety about traveling, the mode of travel, poor ventilation in the car, and the inability to see out of a window to aid orientation.

How to avoid that sickly feeling

You can do a few things to try to help with motion sickness when travelling:
  • Avoid spicy or greasy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and big meals before the trip
  • Drink lots of water
  • Avoid strong food odours may also help prevent nausea
  • Sit in the front seat of the car
  • Do not sit facing backwards from your direction of travel
  • Get some fresh air e.g. keep the car window open; go on deck on a boat
  • Open a vent or source of fresh air if possible
  • Do not read in the car if you are prone to motion sickness

Treatment of motion sickness

Most cases of motion sickness are mild and self-treatable with over-the-counter medication. Chat to your nearest health care providor or your friendly Pharmacist at your favourite Pharmacy at SPAR. There are good medications to prevent motion sickness that are best taken before travelling. As with all medication, check with your Doctor or Pharmacist before you take them or give them to your children.
 
Sources:
https://www.medicinenet.com
www.medicalnewstoday.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is provided by the SPAR Group Ltd for general information purposes only. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.