Prevent Motion Sickness for Smooth and Stress-Free Travel

Summer is the perfect time to travel. But no matter how you choose to get around, motion sickness can ruin your plans. Nausea caused by motion sickness can affect anyone, including kids. And it can happen when you travel by car, boat or plane. You can keep summer travel stress-free for everyone by knowing how to prevent and treat motion sickness. 

What Is Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness occurs when your brain receives conflicting messages about motion and balance from your eyes, muscles, joints and the vestibular system — an intricate structure in your inner ear that helps control balance and spatial orientation. 

The vestibular system contains fluid-filled canals lined with tiny sensory hairs that detect head movement and changes in position. Your muscles and joints also contribute by providing feedback about body position and movement. 

For example, on a boat, your eyes see you are moving toward the horizon, but your vestibular system senses the motion of the waves. At the same time, your muscles feel the boat shifting beneath you. This can cause feelings of sickness or queasiness. When the brain receives conflicting information from these systems, it can struggle to make sense of it, and that causes motion sickness. 

There are several types of motion sickness. These include:

• Airsickness —Brought on by air travel
• Carsickness — Brought on by automobile or bus travel
• Seasickness — Brought on by boat travel 

You may even experience motion sickness from riding amusement park rides or playing video games. 

Who Gets Motion Sickness? 

Anyone can get airsick, carsick or seasick, but certain people are more likely to experience one of these types of motion sickness. Those more at risk for motion sickness include: 

• Children
• People taking certain medications
• Pregnant women 

Motion Sickness Symptoms 

Motion sickness symptoms may include: 

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Stomach sensitivity
• Blurred vision
• Cold sweats
• Headache
• Sweating
• Vertigo (feeling like you are moving when you are not)
• Vomiting 

How to Prevent Motion Sickness and Make Travel Fun (Even for the Queasy) 

Not all motion sickness is preventable, but there are things you can do before and during travel to reduce the risk of developing motion sickness. These include: 

• Build in flex time — Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. This ensures everyone can travel at a comfortable pace.
• Choose your seat wisely — If you or a travel companion is prone to motion sickness, pick a seat less likely to trigger the illness. No matter your transportation choice, always try to face forward. On cruise ships, book an inner cabin. On other boats, sit in the middle or on the upper deck. On airplanes, choose a seat near the wings. In cars, sit in the front passenger seat. On a bus, find a window seat.
• Engage in distraction-free activities — Instead of reading books or using tablets or smartphones, try listening to audiobooks or playing car games that do not require looking down.
• Plan regular breaks — Build in stops for fresh air and movement.
• Prep the night before — Eat a light meal, rest well and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It is also wise to avoid smoking and alcohol during travel. 

Treating Motion Sickness 

If you do feel symptoms of motion sickness, there are things you can do to feel better. If you are in an automobile, try getting some air by rolling your window down or directing cool vents your way. You can also try ginger ale, ginger candies or peppermint to help with an upset stomach. Other ways to manage motion sickness: 

• Lie back in your seat and close your eyes.
• Look away from books, phones or tablets and focus on things in the distance.
• Take a break, if possible, from whatever causes your motion sickness.
• Use over-the-counter medicines, such as antihistamines or “travel patches” you wear on your skin. Be aware that these medicines can cause drowsiness.
• Wear special eyeglasses or bracelets that may help reduce motion sickness symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Care for Motion Sickness 

Motion sickness is temporary, and most people can manage it without the help of a physician. However, if symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or vomiting do not go away even after you stop moving, you may want to call your physician or visit an urgent care center.

Find Care at Catholic Health

Find a Catholic Health doctor near you. Or call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-875-3117).

For convenient urgent care, visit a Catholic Health Urgent Care location.