Managing Motion Sickness

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Motion Sickness

Motion sickness refers to a condition in which your brain receives signals that are incoherent with the signals sent from the eyes, ears, joints and muscles. The type of sickness varies among individuals as some experience airsickness or seasickness while travelling by plane or ship while many even experience car sickness while travelling in a car.

Any form of transportation may cause motion sickness which may occur suddenly or progress as feelings of nausea and headaches develop. A person recovers from motion sickness as soon as a vehicle stops. Motion sickness can be eased out as the person travels more and acclimatizes to motion in vehicles.

Symptoms

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Migraines

Preventing motion sickness

Motion sickness can be prevented by choosing a seat that is less prone to turbulence or increasing movement:

  • Traveling by air: Reserve a seat on the front edge of the plane’s wing. Once you are seated, allow the air vent to be directed to your face.
  • Travelling by ship: Reserve a cabin in the middle or front of the ship so that it is near sea level.
  • Travelling by train: Reserve the window seat with your face forward.
  • Travelling by car: Sit in the passenger’s seat.

Treatment

If you are prone to motion sickness while travelling by any type of transportation, follow these steps:

  • Do not read while travelling. Focus on a distant object or the horizon.
  • Make sure your head is kept still. Avoid movement of the head while you are seated.
  • Do not smoke. Make sure there aren’t any smokers around you as well.
  • Do not overeat before or during travelling. Avoid greasy or spicy food. Have something light while you are travelling such as dry crackers or a carbonated beverage to ease the effects of motion sickness.
  • Take an over-the-counter medication such as antihistamine half or one hour before you are aboard. You may feel drowsy due to the medication.
  • Take scopolamine several hours before you start to travel. Apply the adhesive patch at the back of your ear for a 4 day protection. Make sure you consult a physician or doctor before you use the medication as it may lead to complications such as glaucoma, asthma and urine retention.
  • Studies show that ginger is an excellent reliever for motion sickness plus it does not cause any side effects. Take a gram of ginger capsule 12 hours before travelling to make sure that effects of motion sickness are not too severe or cause you any form of discomfort.

 Related Video to Motion Sickness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPrd6njDWwM

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