Motion Sickness Symptoms Treatment And Remedies

Motion Sickness

During boat rides on rough water or in the case of flights in turbulent atmosphere, abdominal discomfort may occur which is called motion sickness. Even if it does not create long-term problems, motion sickness can cause many troubles, especially to those who travel a lot. People can have motion sickness when travelling by cars, trains, airplanes, while riding carousels in amusement parks or while boating . Motion sickness is sometimes called bad flight sickness or sea sickness.

Video games, flight simulators, watching the microscope can also cause motion sickness, in these cases the eye perceives movement even though the body does not move . Children aged between 5 and 12 years, women and the elderly are more prone to motion sickness, while in children under 2 years it is more rare. There are no specific tests or other tests for motion sickness.

Motion Sickness Symptoms

Motion sickness can cause:

• Malaise (indisposition)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headaches
• Cold sweats, sweat that appears even if it is not very hot
• Pallor (pale skin).

Motion sickness symptoms usually disappear soon after cessation of movement. Sometimes it takes several days for the motion sickness symptoms to disappear. Some people may get used to the motion sickness during long journeys, such as during cruising. If the motion sickness symptoms still appear will be of low intensity. The motion sickness symptoms may recur when landing or getting on earth, for a short period of time. Motion sickness symptoms usually disappear within 3 days from end of the journey. If they do not disappear then medical aid is required. Nausea and vomiting may be caused by other diseases of the stomach (gastritis) or inner ear problems.

Motion Sickness Treatment And Remedies

The best way to treat motion sickness is to avoid movement that triggers the symptoms. If you can not avoid movement that triggers motion sickness symptoms, it is recommended for you to sit or lie on horizontaly, in a place where the movement does not feel so intense. When travelling by plane it is recommended  to sit near the wing, when travelling by boat, sit on deck and look in the horizon. You can use some drugs your doctor indicated to prevent or reduce motion sickness symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Many drugs are effective if taken before leaving on a long trip. These drugs have different effects. Some are sedatives and minimize the effect of movement, while others reduce nausea and vomiting. Drugs that may help prevent symptoms of motion sickness:

• Scopolamine patch (Transdermal purpose) or tablets (Scopace)
• Promethazine hydrochloride (Anergan, Phenergan)
• Antihistamines, including dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), dyphenhydramine (Benadryl), cyclizine (Marezine) buclizine (Bucladin-S Softabs) and meclizine (Antivert).

Some people use alternative methods to prevent motion sickness, such as using ginger or elastic stockings. There is little scientific evidence that these methods would be effective, but their use does not cause unwanted effects. Physical therapy can help people who have significant motion sickness problems. Physiotherapists will advise the person in rehearsing repeated movements in a controlled environment so that it will able to maintain balance during movement. There are no studies to prove effectiveness of this therapy.