Motion Sickness Symptoms, Prevention, & Treatment
Motion sickness is a sensation caused while traveling on the road, on the water, or in the air. It may even happen on an amusement ride or while using a virtual reality device.
What causes it?
A common cause of motion sickness is conflicting signals sent to the brain by your eyes and inner ear (your eyes see motion, but your inner ear doesn’t sense it). Contributing factors include inner ear disorders, migraines, pregnancy, or a family history of motion sickness.
What are the symptoms?
Signs of motion sickness include nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cold sweat, or rapid breathing.
Preventing it:
Actions you can take to minimize the sensation include:
look out the window at the horizon
sit in the front passenger seat in a car or bus, and a forward-facing seat on a train
choose a window seat on a plane, train, or bus
sit in the middle of a boat and book a cabin toward the front or the center of a cruise ship
stay hydrated by drinking water
eat a light snack such as saltine crackers or a banana
avoid spicy, greasy, or acidic foods
suck on hard candy or lozenges (peppermint or natural ginger), or drink non-caffeinated soda with real ginger
regulate your breathing by taking slow and steady breaths
lower windows or direct AC vents to blow air on your face
restrict reading or viewing your smartphone or other devices
Treating it:
You may want to consult your physician about over–the–counter or prescription medications if you experience repeated motion sickness
Sources:
“Motion Sickness,” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles, (Last reviewed on 01/18/2021)
WebMD Editorial Contributors, “Why Do I Get Motion Sickness?”, https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/motion-sickness, (Medically Reviewed on September 3, 2022)
Mayo Clinic Staff, “Motion sickness: First aid,” https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-motion-sickness/basics (Oct. 14, 2020)
