Motion sickness arises when your brain is unable to process information from your eyes, hearing, and body. Motion, whether in a vehicle, plane, boat, or amusement park ride, might make you feel nauseous, clammy, or sick to your stomach. Some people puke. Motion sickness can occur while driving, sailing, or flying.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MOTION SICKNESS?
Motion sickness might catch you off guard. You may feel good one minute and then suffer some of the following symptoms:
- Sweating cold sweats
- Dizziness.
- Irritability.
- Lack of concentration.
- Vomiting, nausea, and increased salivation
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Skin tone is light.
- Breathing quickly or gulping for air
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MOTION SICKNESS?
Signals are sent to your brain from motion-sensing elements of your body, such as your eyes, inner ears, muscles, and joints. When these components provide contradictory signals, your brain is unsure whether you are fixed or moving. Your brain's perplexed reaction makes you ill.
For example, when driving, your:
- Eyes detect movement as trees pass by.
- Inner ears detect movement.
- Muscles and joints detect that your body is still seated.
- Brain detects a gap between these messages.
Many things can cause motion sickness, including:
- Rides in amusement parks and virtual reality experiences
- Reading while driving.
- Traveling via boat, automobile, bus, rail, or aircraft.
- Movies and video games
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR MOTION SICKNESS?
One in every three persons will have motion sickness at some time in their lives. Women and children aged two to twelve are most vulnerable. Nonetheless, anyone can be affected by the condition.
These variables enhance your risk of motion sickness:
- Motion sickness runs in the family.
- Hormonal contraception.
- Disorders of the inner ear
- Menstrual periods.
- Migraines.
- Parkinson's disease.
- Pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF MOTION SICKNESS?
Motion sickness seldom causes major issues. Some people can't stop vomiting on rare occasions. Excessive vomiting can result in dehydration and a drop in blood pressure (hypotension).
HOW IS MOTION SICKNESS DIAGNOSED?
Your healthcare professional will ask you to describe your symptoms and what causes them. Your healthcare professional may also undertake a physical checkup as well as an examination of your eyes and hearing.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR MOTION SICKNESS?
You have various alternatives for preventing or treating motion sickness. Treatments for motion sickness include:
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines, which are commonly used to treat allergies, can also be used to prevent motion sickness and alleviate symptoms. Only drowsiness-causing antihistamines are effective. Nondrowsy formulations will not assist.
- Patches: Scopolamine skin patches (Transderm Scop®) or tablets are used to treat nausea and vomiting. You must apply the patch behind your ear at least four hours before departure. After three days, you peel off the patch and replace it. This drug is only licensed for adults and can induce dry mouth.
HOW CAN MOTION SICKNESS BE PREVENTED?
These activities can reduce your chances of becoming ill or alleviate symptoms if they occur:
- Herbs: Inhale the relaxing smells of mint, ginger, or lavender. Suck on peppermint or ginger hard candies.
- Distant gaze: Place your phone, iPad, or book down. Instead, glance at a distant object or the horizon.
- Lie down: If possible, recline and close your eyes.
- Pressure points: Wear bracelets with acupressure points.
- Diet and beverages: Consume lots of water. Before flying, eat low-fat, bland, starchy meals. Avoid big meals as well as oily, spicy, or acidic foods that might cause stomach trouble. Don't consume alcohol or smoke.
- Clean air: Direct air vents to blow in your direction. Also, in autos, roll down the windows.
When traveling, you should constantly gaze forward. It is also possible to reduce disturbing motion by changing where you sit:
- Boat: Sit on the top deck in the center of the boat.
- Bus: Select a window seat.
- Car: Place yourself in the front passenger seat.
- The cruise ship: Book a stateroom in the ship's front or center. Choose one on a lower level, closer to the ocean if possible.
- Plane: Take a seat in the wing area.
- Train: Select a window seat that faces ahead.
CONCLUSION
Almost everyone has motion sickness at some time in their lives. You may vomit due to the queasy feeling and nausea. When traveling, you can't always avoid the movement that's making you sick. If you're prone to motion sickness, talk to your doctor about how to avoid becoming sick and what to do if you do. You may take efforts to improve your vacation experience without using a barf bag.