Many people experience motion sickness while traveling on a yacht, ship, or in land transport. Sometimes these unpleasant symptoms persist throughout the journey, preventing one from enjoying their trip. If you struggle with motion sickness, the following recommendations from neurologist of the highest category, Candidate of Medical Sciences from the Dobrobut medical network, Volodymyr Monastyrskyi, can help.
Motion sickness, or "kinetosis," refers to the feeling of nausea, weakness, and dizziness caused by repetitive motion. This set of symptoms is commonly referred to as "seasickness." People experience motion sickness during boat rides, or when traveling by car, bus, or airplane.
Throughout life, 5-10 percent of the population suffers from seasickness. Children aged two to twelve are particularly prone to this condition. Women are more likely to suffer from motion sickness than men. However, under especially unfavorable conditions, such as strong waves, anyone can experience motion sickness symptoms.
The cause of this syndrome lies in dysfunction of the vestibular apparatus located in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. During travel by sea or in land transport, the brain receives conflicting information. On the one hand, the inner ear receptors perceive the environment as stationary since the body is not moving during the journey. On the other hand, the eyes detect movement through space. This discrepancy in the brain's interpretation of information results in dizziness and nausea.
Factors contributing to the development of motion sickness:
- Hereditary underdevelopment of the vestibular system;
- Fear;
- Heat and stuffiness in the cabin;
- Strong tobacco smells;
- Alcohol consumption;
- Emotional stress;
- Fatigue;
- Pregnancy.
Regardless of the factors, the symptoms of motion sickness are the same. However, due to individual body characteristics, people experience motion sickness differently. Classic symptoms of "seasickness" include increasing dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. These are often accompanied by pale skin and mucous membranes, cold clammy sweat, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and loss of appetite.
Behavior during a motion sickness episode may also vary. Some people experience apathy, while others become highly agitated. Once the source of motion (such as a ship) is removed, the symptoms diminish and eventually disappear.
- Before the trip, avoid eating, drinking alcohol, and consuming carbonated beverages. Do not eat less than two hours before the journey.
- While traveling, try to distract yourself from thoughts of motion sickness; do not read, and ideally engage in a conversation with a fellow traveler.
- It's better to position yourself at the stern of the ship or in the front part of a vehicle, and focus on looking forward while moving.
- Never sit facing backward, as this intensifies the symptoms.
If you know you're prone to motion sickness, it's recommended to take a vestibulolytic medication about an hour before traveling. These are mainly drugs based on dimenhydrinate. During a sea voyage, it's best to go to a cabin, lie down, close your eyes, and try to sleep.
If you don’t have medication on hand, sour fruits can help. Green apples or lemons are ideal. Another good remedy is ginger root. It’s recommended to take one teaspoon of powdered ginger root an hour before departure. Mint gum, mint tea, and tea with lemon are also effective.
