Travel sickness
What is motion sicknes (altitude sickness)?
Motion sickness is the feeling you get when the motion you sense with your inner ear is different from the motion you visualize. It is a common condition that occurs in some people who travel by car, train, airplane, or boat. Many people suffer from this condition if they ride on a roller coaster or other similar amusement park rides.
What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
The signs and symptoms of motion sickness usually begin with a feeling of uneasiness followed by cold sweats and dizziness. Some people may exhibit pale skin and increased saliva production along with headache and fatigue. Nausea and vomiting usually occur after these initial symptoms.
What causes motion sickness?
Motion sickness is caused by the mixed signals sent to the brain by the eyes and the inner ear (semicircular canals). If you cannot see the motion your body's feeling, or conversely, if you cannot feel the motion your eyes see, then it is likely that the brain will get mixed signals and the person will develop some aspect or symptom of motion sickness.
Who gets motion sickness?
Although pregnant women and children are more susceptible to motion sickness, almost anyone that is traveling is at risk for motion sickness. For those people who travel on boats, seasickness can be considered a form of motion sickness. Other risk factors include the:
- Person's fear or anxiety about traveling
- Mode of travel
- Poor ventilation in the traveling vehicle
- The inability to see out of a window to aid orientation
Do you need to see a doctor to treat motion sickness?
Most people with motion sickness do not need to see their doctor to treat it. Usually, laboratory testing is not required.
What home remedies help motion sickness go away?
Before taking these medications, read the precautions because many of these drugs have side effects, for example, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurry vision, and occasionally disorientation. Treatment for motion sickness can consist of medical treatment, simple changes in the environment , for example, get fresh air. Some people with motion sickness respond well to biofeedback training and relaxation techniques. Herbs for to treat motion sickness are ginger, peppermint, and tea. Some people respond to acupuncture. People who drive vehicles or operate heavy equipment should not take these medications.
