 What is it?
Motion sickness occurs when repetitive small movements mean the brain is sent mixed messages. The eyes say one thing about the position of the body, while the delicate inner ear balance mechanisms are reporting something different. This confusion usually results in feelings of nausea, sometimes vomiting and becoming sweaty.
Children suffer more often than adults and fortunately many grow out of it as they get older and learn to overcome the problem.
It's not always motion, that triggers the sickness
It's not always motion, that triggers the sickness. Smells, such as those of food or petrol, anxiety that it's going to happen may ensure it does, and focusing on a nearby object such as trying to read a book or a map can make people feel queasy.
In the car
If the sufferer is old enough they should sit in the front of the car where they can get a clear view of the road. Young children should be put in the back seat where they can see the road. Sometimes using a booster cushion helps.
Try and avoid looking down into your lap. Reading or games that encourage concentrating downwards should be left until the journey is over. Singing along to music or playing games that encourage looking ahead helps prevent problems. Make sure the car is well ventilated, too.
Ask the driver to take bends gently, not to keep accelerating and then slowing down repeatedly, and to stop for a break and a stretch regularly (at least once an hour) throughout the trip.
On a ship
Get as much fresh air as possible away from the smell of fuel fumes and galley foods. Going out on deck is ideal, and make sure to focus on the horizon or something that isn't moving - don't watch the waves going up and down.
If it's too cold and you have to stay inside then find a seat in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. This is where the ship moves least. If nausea still comes your way then lie down and keep your eyes closed.
In a plane
Ask for a seat over the wings, which is where the plane is most stable. Tilt your seat back, rest your head on the headrest, and close your eyes. Music helps some people relax and takes their mind off feeling unwell. Some people know they are going to be sick whatever they do. If this is the case then ask for a seat near the toilets.
Top tips for a non-queasy trip:
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before travelling.
Keep still with eyes closed.
Anti-sickness medicines from the pharmacist. These should be taken before travel according to the instructions so they have a chance to be absorbed into the body. Most either contain hyoscine or the antihistamine cinnarizine.
Consume ginger or peppermint remedies. Ginger can be taken as a biscuit, tea or crystallised, while peppermint can be sucked as a sweet or taken as a tea.
Chinese acupressure can be applied using a wristband or by pressing your finger against the middle of the inner wrist about three finger widths above the crease where the wrist joins the hand. |
