Motion Sickness

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KEY POINTS

• Motion sickness is a group of symptoms caused by traveling in an automobile, airplane, or boat, or by amusement park rides.
• Your provider may recommend medicine to treat or prevent motion sickness.
• To help prevent motion sickness, you may want to try a wrist band, avoiding spicy or greasy foods, sitting in the front seat facing forward, and looking out the window at the horizon.

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What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness is a group of symptoms caused by traveling in a motor vehicle such as a car, plane, or boat, or by riding on amusement park rides.

What is the cause?

The inner ear is made up of a system of fluid-filled tubes and sacs that help you hear and help you keep your balance. Nerves connect your inner ear to your brain. Certain types of motions, such as repeatedly speeding up or slowing down or moving up and down, can cause the fluid-filled tubes and sacs in your ear to change position and pressure. The difference between the messages your brain gets from your eyes and ears, and from the changes in motion, can cause symptoms.

You have a greater risk for motion sickness if:

• You are under the age of 50
• You are a woman, especially if you are pregnant or use hormonal birth control
• You have migraine headaches
• You are exposed to fumes, smoke, or are in a closed area without fresh air
• You are fearful or nervous
• You take medicines that can cause nausea

Motion sickness is also common in children between 2 and 12 years of age.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased saliva
• Feeling very warm or cold and sweaty
• Rapid breathing
• Pale skin

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical and travel history, and examine you. Usually no further tests are needed unless you have other symptoms such as a severe headache.

How is it treated?

Antihistamines are often used to treat motion sickness. You can buy antihistamines at the drugstore, or your healthcare can prescribe one for you. Scopolamine is a prescription medicine that can help prevent motion sickness. You apply a patch to a hairless area of skin behind your ear at least 4 hours before travel.

Antihistamine medicine can make you sleepy. Talk to your healthcare provider if you take medicine for other problems such as asthma, glaucoma, or urinary retention.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. In addition:

• Find a place in the car, boat, or other vehicle that gives you the least symptoms. Don’t sit in a seat that faces backward. Try to sit in the front seat of a car rather than the back seat.
• Avoid spicy or greasy foods before you travel and while traveling. Don’t overeat. Also avoid strong odors if you can.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Don’t smoke or be near people smoking.
• Look out the window at the horizon. Don’t read or look at a book, video game, or computer.
• If you have been vomiting, it’s best to have just small, frequent sips of water or weak tea. Drinking too much at once may cause more vomiting. A soft drink may help.
• Rest as much as possible. Avoid quickly changing position. Sit or lie back with your head propped up. It may be best if you do not lie flat.
• You may want to try a wrist band that puts pressure on a certain part of your wrist.