Motion sickness is a condition that causes different types of sensations that can affect your balance and make you feel nauseous or vomit. It's more like Vertigo however, they have different causes and symptoms.
Motion sickness is a condition where your brain gets confused by the conflicting signals from your eyes, ears, and body. When you are in a moving vehicle, plane, or boat, your eyes see the movement, but your inner ears and other sensory receptors do not feel it. This mismatch creates a sense of imbalance and nausea in your brain, which can lead to vomiting.
🔅 Factors that accelerate your risk of getting motion sickness are:
– Being prone to nausea or vomiting in general.
– Having a history of migraines, ear infections, or inner ear disorders.
– Hormonal imbalance (changes).
– Pregnancy.
– Being stressed or anxious about traveling.
– Poorly ventilated spaces or strong odors in the vehicle.
– Reading or watching screens while in motion.
🔅 Tips to possibly reduce the risk of motion sickness:
– Choose a seat where you can see the horizon or the direction of travel, such as the front seat of a car, the window seat of a plane, or the middle deck of a boat.
– Avoid looking at moving objects, such as passing cars, waves, or clouds. Focus on a fixed point instead.
– Keep your head still and avoid sudden movements. Use a pillow or headrest for support.
– Breathe fresh air🪟if possible. Open a window or use a fan or air conditioner.
– Avoid eating heavy, spicy, or greasy foods before or during travel. Eat light snacks and drink water instead.
– Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, as they can worsen nausea and dehydration.
– Take over-the-counter medications that can prevent or treat motion sickness, such as antihistamines (e.g., Dramamine), scopolamine patches (e.g., Transderm Scop), or ginger capsules. Follow the instructions on the label and consult your doctor before using them if you have any medical conditions or allergies.
– Try using acupressure bands (e.g., Sea-Band) that apply pressure to specific points on your wrists that can reduce nausea.
– Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks that can distract you from feeling sick. Avoid reading or watching screens that can strain your eyes and make you dizzy.
– Relax and practice deep breathing exercises that can calm your nerves and stomach.
