Motion sickness

The most common signs and symptoms of motion sickness include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Cold sweats
• Pale appearance
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Yawning
• Loss of appetite
• Increased salivation
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm
• Increased sensitivity to odors
• General discomfort

In Children:

• Before age 6, the main symptom is dizziness and the need to lie down.
• After age 12, the main symptom is nausea (feeling sick to the stomach).

Have you been vomiting quite frequently? Know what can cause vomiting and when to visit a doctor. Enlighten Yourself.

During motion, one part of the sensing system, such as the eyes and sensory nerves, detects movement, whereas other parts, such as the inner ear, do not. Thus, the brain receives conflicting signals, which results in motion sickness.

The brain may recognize such a situation as the effect of a poison, leading to vomiting as a natural reaction to eliminate the perceived toxin. The mixed signals disrupt normal brain function, causing symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea

The following are the most common risk factors that increase your chances of getting motion sickness:

• Age: Children aged 2 to 12 years are particularly vulnerable, but infants and toddlers are usually immune. There is a subsequent decline during the teen years due to habituation. Adults over the age of 50 are less prone to motion sickness.
• Sex: Women are more prone to motion sickness, particularly when pregnant, menstruating, or taking hormone supplements.
• Genetic factors: People who have a first-degree relative (for example, a parent or sibling) who is highly susceptible to motion sickness are more likely than the general public to experience it themselves.
• Certain medications: Certain prescription medications, such as antibiotics, NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen), and birth control pills, can increase the chances of experiencing motion sickness while traveling or worsen the condition.
• Hormones: The use of hormonal contraception, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle all increase susceptibility to motion sickness due to hormonal fluctuations.
• Medical conditions: Patients suffering from vertigo, an inner ear disorder, Parkinson’s disease, Meniere’s disease, and migraine headaches are more prone to motion sickness, especially during a migraine attack.

Struggling with migraine? Watch our expert, a leading neurologist, decode it for you.

It is usually based on the patient’s complaint of the relevant symptoms during travel. The doctor will take the history related to traveling and symptoms of motion sickness.

The doctor will look for any inner ear problems that may be exacerbating the symptoms of motion sickness.

I. Common Preventive Measures

• Be aware of the triggers that aggravate symptoms.
• Close your eyes, sleep, or stare at the horizon while traveling.
• Add distractions such as breathing control, music, or aromatherapy scents like mint or lavender. Flavored lozenges may also be beneficial.
• Position yourself optimally to reduce motion or motion perception.
• Lightly press your inner arm about 6 to 7 cm away from your wrist. You can also use a wristband for this purpose.
• Avoid overeating during travel.
• Expose yourself gradually to continuous or repeated motion sickness triggers.

II. Specific Preventive Measures

1. Prevention of Car Motion Sickness

• Sit in the front seat of a car.
• Rest your head against the seat back.
• Turn the air vents in the direction of your face.
• Avoid foods that make you feel unusually full or have strong odors.
• Do not read.
• Do not smoke.

2. Prevention of Motion Sickness on a Plane

• Avoid big, greasy meals and alcohol the night before air travel.
• Eat light meals or snacks that are low in calories 24 hours before air travel.
• Choose a seat towards the front of the aircraft or in a seat over the wing.

3. Prevention of Motion Sickness on a Boat

• Ask for a cabin on the upper deck or towards the front of the ship.
• When on deck, keep your eyes fixed on the horizon or land.

4. Prevention of Motion Sickness in Children

• Before the trip, choose bland foods over spicy foods to alleviate hunger pangs, which may aggravate symptoms.
• Focus the child’s attention away from the queasy feeling. Listen to the radio, sing, or converse.
• Allow your child to look at things outside the car rather than at books or games.
• A cool cloth on the forehead can help alleviate symptoms.
• Travel during the night if possible.
• If your child begins to experience motion sickness symptoms, make frequent short stops.

5. Prevention of Motion Sickness During Pregnancy

• Eat small, frequent meals. Going too long without eating during pregnancy can cause nausea or make it worse.
• Avoid greasy, high-fat foods.
• Drinking peppermint, spearmint, and chamomile teas may help.
• Eat plenty of carbohydrate-rich foods such as cereal, fruit, bread, and rice. They are easy to digest and provide energy.
• Limit your consumption of coffee, as it stimulates acid secretion, which can worsen nausea.
• Wear sea sickness wristbands.

Treatment for motion sickness comprises removing the patient from the factor that is causing motion sickness. The symptoms of motion sickness usually subside once you stop traveling.

In the case of severe motion sickness, treatment may include:

I. Medications

Medications can be subdivided into categories: anticholinergic, antihistamine, and sympathomimetic.

1. Anticholinergics:

• Scopolamine: A scopolamine patch can be placed behind the ear at least 4 hours before traveling. A single scopolamine patch will work for 3 days.

2. Antihistamines:

• Diphenhydramine
• Cyclizine
• Meclizine
• Cinnarizine
• Promethazine

3. Sympathomimetic:

• Dextroamphetamine

4. Administration of I.V. fluids

In severe cases of vomiting and dehydration, administration of I.V. fluids might be required.

II. Special Considerations

1. Medications for Pregnant Women

Medications used for morning sickness are considered safe for use in motion sickness. Some examples include:

• Meclizine
• Dimenhydrinate

These are category B medications (no risk in animal studies; there are no adequate studies in humans, but animal studies do not demonstrate a risk to the fetus). Note: Scopolamine and promethazine are category C medications (risk cannot be ruled out; there are no satisfactory studies in pregnant women, but animal studies demonstrate a risk to the fetus. Potential benefits of the drug may outweigh the risks in pregnancy).

2. Medication for Children (2–12 years of age)

These can be given 1 hour before travel and every 6 hours during the trip. Some examples include:

• Dimenhydrinate
• Diphenhydramine

Note: Scopolamine can cause dangerous adverse effects in children and should not be used.

III. Behavioral Management

1. Biofeedback Training and Relaxation

Biofeedback training is a noninvasive therapy that can teach you how to control body functions such as your heart rate. Combining biofeedback with gradual muscle relaxation may control nausea more effectively.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This may be helpful in reducing the anxiety that some people with motion sickness experience.

3. Breathing Techniques

Slowing down your breath rate has been shown to reduce motion sickness. Deep breathing may also be especially beneficial if you are anxious about getting motion sick, which can exacerbate nausea.

The first and foremost step is to keep yourself hydrated. There are a few herbs that are sometimes used for nausea and may provide some relief for motion sickness:

• Ginger (Adrak): Ginger is a popular herb known for its many health benefits, particularly as an antiemetic. It is commonly used to treat motion sickness, and some studies suggest it may also help with nausea and vomiting. It can be taken in various forms, including lozenges, tea, capsules, tablets, crystallized root, candies, or ginger ale.
• Peppermint oil: This oil effectively diminishes the symptoms of motion sickness and queasiness. For relief, apply a small amount to your abdomen, dab a drop on your wrists, or inhale its fragrance. However, peppermint can interact with several medications, so consult your doctor before use.
• Chamomile: Chamomile tea is frequently used to alleviate or prevent nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness.

Feeling nauseated? Try these 6 foods to get instant relief.

Read More Now

1. Vomiting due to motion sickness can result in excessive fluid loss from the body, potentially leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and even fainting.

2. Malnutrition and weight loss are common complications in patients with chronic nausea, as they often avoid consuming full meals due to fear.

3. Motion sickness can induce anxiety and stress, resulting in the avoidance of activities and limiting experiences. This can disrupt daily life, restrict participation in motion-related activities, and increase the risk of accidents.

4. Severe cases may lead to psychological consequences, including frustration, embarrassment, and the development of phobias related to motion or travel.

Alternative therapies have shown some good results in the management of motion sickness. However, it is always advised to consult your healthcare provider before starting any of the following alternative therapies:

1. Acupressure

Acupressure aims to stimulate specific points on the body by applying pressure. Applying pressure to the acupressure point known as "pericardium 6," or "P6," can help alleviate symptoms. This point is located between the two tendons on the inner side of the forearm, approximately two inches (or three finger widths) above the wrist crease.

2. Aromatherapy

During your travels, you can incorporate aromatherapy by inhaling the scent through a tissue or applying diluted essential oil to specific areas such as the temples, wrists, and neck. Another option is to use aromatherapy jewelry for a soothing experience throughout your journey. Before diffusing essential oils, consult your doctor if you have asthma or another respiratory condition.

Purchase essential oil products online to alleviate feelings of nausea and vomiting.

3. Motion Sickness Glasses

Anti-motion sickness glasses are a novel approach to a common issue. Four circular rims frame the eyeglasses—two in front and one on each side. These glasses help align sensory input from your eyes and ears. The liquid in the rims moves as your vehicle rises, falls, or turns, creating a false horizon in your field of vision.

Almost everyone experiences motion sickness at some point in their lives. You may vomit due to the queasy feeling and nausea. You can't always avoid the movement that's making you sick, especially when traveling.

However, nausea and vomiting are distressing symptoms that may significantly affect overall quality of life and greatly influence an individual’s mood and social activities.

Prevention is more effective than treatment for motion sickness, so identifying and avoiding triggers is critical. Here are some tips for dealing with stress more effectively:

• Know the triggers that are causing motion sickness and work on them.
• Accustom yourself to motion sickness by beginning with small movements that cause dizziness or nausea and gradually increasing each day. This long-term approach provides the most reliable antidotes to motion sickness.
• Don't be afraid to seek professional medical assistance.