Have you ever felt a disturbance in your inner ear while travelling in a car? Or dizziness during a take-off? Well! Many people suffer from the above symptoms while travelling. It’s nothing but ‘Motion Sickness’. Also referred to as car or sea sickness. If you’re one of the many who suffer from this, continue reading to know how to prevent motion sickness on your next trip.
Table of Contents
What motion sickness is and how it is caused?
So, this type of illness is generally caused in the inner ear (labyrinth) due to repetitive motion. While it’s an easy sickness to develop, one reacts differently to its sensitiveness.
Who gets hold of this sickness easily?
To answer that, motion sickness is most commonly found in pregnant women, children between the age of 2-12 years and the ones who get frequent migraines.
Lastly, what are the various symptoms?
While there can be mild to severe symptoms of motion sickness, the most common ones repeatedly are nausea, dizziness, sweating, vomiting and uneasiness.
Now that you know the symptoms and their root cause; let’s take a look at the various measures to mitigate this sickness for a pleasant journey further on.
Get a good sleep the night before
No sleep and nausea or dizziness combined are dreadful situations. It’s ideal for one to rest for at least eight hours the night before your journey. Furthermore, avoid alcohol or intake of nicotine for a fresh, clear system as you travel. Anxiety, worries, tension and stress; all of these should be left back. I mean why not? You’re going on a freaking vacation.
Drive yourself or face the direction you’re travelling
When you drive the car yourself, your mind is focused on the driving. You are responsible for the safety of yourself and those travelling with you. In such instances, you control the speed and the motion of the car. On the other hand, if you do not know how to drive or have no driver’s license, it’s ideal to face the direction you are journeying. This helps to disconnect the visual sense and the inner ear.
Chew or munch on something light
During your journey, it’s advised to chew or nibble on a cracker (ginger ones do help). Bananas, apples, bread, cereals, etc. too can be munched on. However, avoid oily, acidic, and heavy foodstuffs, they would only worsen the sickness. If you visit a doctor, they generally prescribe OTC antihistamines, Scopolamine, or Promethazine as medications.
Keep yourself distracted, but screens away, please!
Distracting yourself and diverting your mind can help feel better. Turn on the radio but do not focus on your mobile screens for long. Take a nap or sing your favourite song aloud to divert your mind.
Roll down the windows or go outdoors for Fresh Air
Do not keep yourself in a compact space. Roll down the windows for some fresh air if you are travelling by vehicle. Fan yourself or point the air vents towards you in case of nausea, dizziness or sweating. Do not smoke or inhale cigarette smell, it would only worsen your sickness.
Consider natural treatments
- Acupressure point – As suggested by experts, pressure along your wrist called the Nei-Kuan, gives one quick relief. For this, you need to place your right index, middle and ring finger on the inside of the left wrist and apply pressure for at least 4-5 seconds. Repeat the same on your right wrist too.
- Aromatherapy – Take sniffs of scents like lavender, peppermint, and ginger oils to help reduce nausea.
Prescribed Medications
While there are various medications often prescribed for those with motion sickness. Research also states that medication and drugs although can prevent the sickness while travelling but does not cure it. Let’s take a look at few of the most common ones and its effect.
- Valoid – Advised for 6 years and above. Used for treating nausea and vomiting
- Stugeron – Treats nauseas provided one must complete an entire course without skipping doses.
- Vomistop – Often used to treat indigestion, vomiting, and nausea
- Ondem -MD 4 – Controls nausea and vomiting caused by stomach upset or motion sickness.
The above medications are generic and are consumed by most travellers suffering from motion sickness. However, it is best advised for one to get them prescribed by a doctor in order to prevent major side effects, allergies and complications. Do not rely on these medication 100% as every body functionality differs, hence, while it may suit you, it may not suit another traveller.
While there lie many more treatments and remedies to prevent motion sickness, the above few have proven to be effective. If you are a frequent traveller and are prone to face this sickness often, long-term solutions do exist. Consider getting yourself one. Supplements, acupressure bands, vitamins and more are advised. However, a doctor’s recommendation helps make the best decision. So consult your doctor before any intakes.
Now that you have a fair understanding of this sickness, take the measures and keep it away. Let it not get in the way of you and your most awaited travel. We at Aertrip have holiday options for every type of traveller. We can customize your holiday based on your travel needs. So what are you waiting for? Visit Holidays by Aertrip or connect with our travel experts for the best recommendations.
