Solving the mystery of motion sickness
If air travel triggers motion sickness, select a seat near the wing of an airplane.
Dr. Deborah Eaton
Do you love to travel? Many of us do, but one challenge for millions of Americans is motion sickness brought on by riding in cars, airplanes or trains.
The idea of taking a cruise or riding on a tour bus might be too much to stomach for motion sickness sufferers. If you’ve ever experienced it, you know the debilitating feeling of lingering dizziness, nausea and headaches that just don’t seem to relent. Maybe you’ve experienced that queasy feeling after riding a roller coaster or other amusement park ride that spins in circles, or you might have felt nauseous or “seasick” when riding on a boat.
What causes motion sickness and is there a way to prevent it or cure it?
Simply defined, motion sickness is the sensation of being nauseated or queasy while in motion. Other symptoms can include dizziness, headache, sweating, fatigue, increased saliva production, or irritability. But why do some of us react this way to motion?
“It occurs when there is a mismatch in the information that the brain receives from the eyes, inner ears, and musculoskeletal system,” explains Dr. Deborah Eaton, a balance specialist and ear, nose and throat physician with Allegheny Health Network (AHN). “When the brain receives these conflicting signals, the symptoms of motion sickness can occur. For example, on an airplane you may not receive visual evidence of movement, yet your body and inner ears detect movement.”
Some studies have shown that genetics may play a role in who is more prone or susceptible to motion sickness while other research shows that certain medical conditions can also play a part. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an estimated 1 in 3 people get motion sickness at some point. Women and young children ages 2 to 12 are most at risk.
“Some patients are more susceptible to motion sickness than others, and it can begin abruptly and unexpectedly at times,” Eaton said. “It most commonly occurs in children and women, especially during pregnancy.” That could be related to hormonal changes. “Hormonal fluctuations do play a role in motion sickness, and patients who are taking hormonal medications or who are menstruating are more susceptible,” she added. “This includes medications such as oral contraceptives or estrogen replacement therapy.”
Since motion sickness affects and is related to balance, it’s not surprising that people with certain medical conditions involving balance are also prone to experiencing motion sickness.
“Patients who are more likely to get motion sickness include those with a history of migraine, inner ear disorders, a family history of motion sickness and some other neurological diseases,” Eaton says.
Preventing motion sickness
Motion sickness symptoms will usually resolve themselves once you’re removed from the motion or action causing it, but how can it be prevented from occurring? A 2020 study at England’s University of Warwick found subjects had some success in preventing motion sickness by doing 15 minutes of visuospatial training exercises, such as folding paper or finding hidden objects in puzzles. Many of the test subjects reported not getting motion sickness when riding in a car afterward.
Once motion sickness sets in, there are some steps you can take to feel better.
“If possible, get some fresh air and remove yourself from the situation,” Eaton said. “Have a cool drink of water and focus on an object in the distance. Fortunately, most motion sickness resolves within a few hours.”
Her strategies to help prevent motion sickness include:
– Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
– Avoid heavy meals and greasy or spicy food, instead opting for mild, bland foods such as crackers, applesauce, and bananas.
– Sit facing forward while traveling and sit in the front seat of a car if possible. On a bus, sit by the window. Select a seat near the middle of a boat and near the wing of an airplane.
– Wear cool, breathable clothing and try to stay near an open window or fresh air. Direct air vents to blow toward you.
– Find points in the horizon to maintain visual focus and avoid looking at written material or electronic devices while in motion.
Some medications aid in preventing the onset of motion sickness. Acupressure wrist bands can be helpful, and many studies have shown ginger can help prevent symptoms. Try sucking on hard candy made with ginger or peppermint to help soothe your stomach.
“Over the counter medications such as Dramamine (dimenhydrinate) or Bonine (meclizine) may prevent motion sickness and should be taken 30 to 60 minutes prior to travel,” Eaton said. Both are anticholinergics, which block and inhibit the central nervous system to create a calming effect on stomach muscles and bowels. Both carry possible side effects of drowsiness and dry mouth.
There are prescription medications available as well, including scopolamine, which is a transdermal patch applied for three days at a time, and promethazine, which is an anti-nausea medication best taken at least an hour before travel.