Motion sickness is a term used to identify symptoms of nausea, vomiting and dizziness when travelling. This condition is also known as sea sickness, travel sickness or car sickness. Although motion sickness is not a serious kind of illness, the sensation is very unpleasant especially during travel. The symptoms of motion sickness may range from mild to severe and is very particular among children.
When Does Motion Sickness Become A Concern?
Vomiting frequently can result in lowered blood pressure and dehydration, so people who are severely affected by motion sickness need to seek prompt medical care for further evaluation and management. Anxiety is also a concern for those people who already have motion sickness, because once they know that they are going to travel, their symptoms may already worsen even before the actual ride.
What Is The Explanation Behind Motion Sickness?
A person’s sense of balance and the information received by the brain affect motion sickness. The inner ear contains fluids that send signals to the brain about how fast, what direction, and how far an object is moving. The brain then identifies this signal and work out the rest of the body to maintain balance. However, people with motion sickness usually receive conflicting information from the brain – although the body is in a steady state, everything around is moving, so the person’s sense of balance becomes disoriented.
On the positive side, prolonged exposure to travels helps the brain adapt to the bodily and motion changes around it. So people who frequently travel are less like to experience motion sickness than those who are not.
Unpleasant Symptoms Make Motion Sickness Worse
- People usually feel unwell, because they feel nauseous during travel.
- They produce excess saliva, which is a warning sign that they are going to vomit any time.
- Hyperventilation, excessive sweating, paleness, and general weakness can also be experienced.
First Aid – How Can You Prevent Motion Sickness?
- Choose a position (in the plane or ship) where there is less movement. This is usually at the center of the vehicle.
- Larger vehicles are less prone to too much motion, so travel on large vehicles than smaller boats, buses or planes.
- Keep head still, because constant moving of the head can trigger nausea and vomiting.
- If on a car, bus, or ship, try to breathe some fresh air to help ease the symptoms. Avoid fumes, smokes and strong perfumes, because these can exacerbate motion sickness.
- Consult your doctor for more information about the medications you can take before travelling.
Related Video on Motion Sickness:
[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CP0VX9XFXU” width=”220″]Sources:
“Motion Sickness.” Medline Plus. Retrieved online on August 15, 2014 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/motionsickness.html
“How to Beat Motion Sickness.” Web MD. Retrieved online on August 15, 2014 from
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/how-to-beat-motion-sickness#1