Many people suffer from nausea when traveling in an automobile, airplane, boat, or even during a virtual reality experience. It is known as motion sickness and about a quarter of people of all people are susceptible to this condition. It is thought to be largely hereditary (runs in families). Parents who struggle with this illness pass these genes to their children, who are then more likely to become prone to it themselves.
Although not everyone is affected, simply traveling with someone who suffers from it can cause a great deal of disruption to your destination plans. To understand more about this inconvenient and unwelcomed travel companion, we offer this simple guide highlighting key point about the causes, symptoms, and possible treatment options:
Common Symptoms
Motion-induced sickness can affect a person’s daily activities and may even make the thought or prospect of traveling unappealing. The severity of symptoms can cover a wide range, hitting some individuals harder than others.
The milder side of the condition can result in simple discomfort, but for those who are more adversely afflicted, it can disrupt one’s sense of balance and is often accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, and even profuse sweating. Headaches, pale skin, and excessive salivation are also sometimes listed as symptoms.
Common Causes
When the brain receives sensory inputs that do not match, motion sickness can occur. Take, for instance, the experience of being in a car. The inner ear perceives an abundance of motion; however, when one fixates on an object such as their cell phone or something in the car, the eyes are sending signals that you are stationary, in a fixed position.
These signals are in direct opposition to what the ear is detecting, creating the “confusion” in how the body interprets its situation. It is this kind of sensory conflict that causes the brain to execute a neurological coping mechanism, which we experience as the symptoms of motion sickness.
Other contributing factors are individual sensitivity, genetics, and some underlying health conditions. Stress, fatigue, and anxiety can also exacerbate symptoms and certain environmental conditions, like poor ventilation, strong odors, or turbulence, can make it worse.
Various Treatment Options
While there are several strategies for managing this condition (such as behavioral changes and natural remedies), medications tend to offer the most effective and long-term results.
Many people have had success with both over-the-counter and prescription meds. Antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine (Bonine) can keep symptoms at bay if taken preemptively.
For longer trips, a good option is a scopolamine patch placed behind the ear and worn for the duration of the trip. All of these medications may cause drowsiness, and users are cautioned to be careful when driving or using other machinery.
Treating Motion Sickness While Reducing Symptoms and Causes
How well this condition is managed can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Understanding its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options enables individuals to deal better with it.
The preceding article offers a few basic strategies people can use to minimize the discomfort associated with traveling and hopefully even be able to enjoy it.
