Air Sickness/ Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is when the nervous system sends signals from the inner ear and eyes that is uncoordinated. This is because the movement of driving, or flying, is not intentional as with movement from walking etc. This results in feelings of sickness.

The causes of motion sickness are complex, and the conflicting input from eyes, ears and senses is a hypothesis. It seems as though the inner ear is critical in the development of motion sickness, and blind people can still develop motion sickness.

The symptoms that occur due to motion sickness include nausea, vomiting and dizziness. There may also be general unwell feelings or sweating.

Prevention/ Minimizing of Motion Sickness Symptoms

Cases of motion sickness are often self-treatable. This can be done either by preventing it from occurring, or helping to reduce the symptoms when they do occur.

Firstly, when in a car make sure that you sit in the front and look at scenery in the distance. If you are in a plane, make sure you sit next to the window so you can look outside, and in a boat make sure you look at the motion of the horizon.

When you are travelling it is best to avoid reading or sitting backwards. You can also take motion sickness medications before travelling, after advice from your doctor. In order to reduce the risk of sickness make sure you do not eat too many greasy or spicy foods and that you do not talk to other travellers who are experiencing motion sickness.

Seeing A Doctor

You could also visit your doctor if your motion sickness is extremely bad, where you may be prescribed antihistamines to help prevent motion sickness. These also help the symptoms caused by motion sickness as they help to calm the stimulation of the inner ear. You will usually need to take medicines well before the motion sickness actually takes place.