Some people seem more prone to motion sickness than others. These are mostly children, and more often women than men. As you get older, you tend to suffer less from motion sickness, but you can also continue to suffer from it for the rest of your life.

motion sickness
The most well-known, and often the most extreme form of motion sickness is seasickness. The rocking motion of the boat makes you drowsy at first. Then you will yawn, sweat and become nauseous. This often ends with vomiting and a bad feeling.

Except at sea, this can also happen to you in the aeroplane, the car, bus or train. Then it is called airsickness or carsickness. Some people also suffer from it in a (fast) elevator, playground, amusement park or fairground attraction. It is also known as motion sickness.

Balance organ
Whether you have motion sickness is a matter of predisposition. It is clear that it has something to do with the vestibular system. In children, whose balance is not yet fully developed, it is much more common than in adults.

You get motion sickness because you feel all kinds of movements through your body and vestibular system that do not match what you see. Your brain can’t combine that well and that’s why you get nauseous.

What can you do about motion sickness?
Motion sickness is very annoying. The only nice thing is that it passes as soon as the journey is finished. But you would of course prefer to go on holiday without a bad trip. The question then is what you can do about motion sickness. To begin with, make sure you are sufficiently rested and fit. Also watch your food and drink.

• Eat light meals, but not too much.
• Avoid alcoholic and carbonated drinks.
• Do not eat fatty or acidic foods.
• Sweets in moderation.
• Do not take coffee before and during the trip.

It can make a big difference where you sit. Rather sit in the front of the car; the risk of motion sickness is greatest in the back. If you can, get behind the wheel of the car.

Drivers suffer less from motion sickness because they see movements coming. If you fly, make sure you have a seat near the wings, this will make you less nauseous. Look for the center of a ship, there is the least movement.

Other tips

• Make sure to relax before and during the trip. stress promotes motion sickness.
• Continue to breathe calmly, even when motion sickness arises.
• Avoid a hot, stuffy environment. Fresh air provides relief.
• On a ship, go to the deck or open a window in the car, train or bus.
• Do not read while travelling, as this will aggravate the nausea. For example, listen to music.
• Make sure that children with motion sickness get enough distraction with games and the like.
• Don’t look at things that are close by, but look further away.
• Children should sit high enough so that they can see outside.
• Take frequent breaks and get outdoors if you travel by car.
• Avoid smoking and (perfume) odors.
• Do not brake or accelerate too much with the car.

home remedies
In addition to regular medicines, there are also many home remedies. Some people put plugs in their ears or plasters behind the ears.

Others swear by a sunglasses during the trip or start a day before the trip with homeopathic medicines. What is certain is that ginger (powder) can help against motion sickness. This is also sold in the form of capsules.

Medicines for motion sickness
Do you still suffer from motion sickness despite all the measures? You can get medicines at the pharmacy. Which method you choose depends on which method works for you personally, the travel conditions and the duration of the trip.

• Cinnarizine and meclozine tablets will not make you feel sick or vomit, but may affect your ability to react. Therefore do not use when driving the car!
• Cyclizine has the same effect, works for approximately 4 hours and is only available with a prescription.
• Dramamine is available at pharmacies. The strongest variant works for a day and ensures that your balance is less stimulated, so that you do not get motion sickness.
• Primatour is also available without a doctor’s prescription. In addition to reduced stimulation of the balance, this drug also relaxes the stomach wall.
• Scopolamine is provided in the form of patches. It prevents nausea and vomiting.

Children can also use these agents in lower doses. Always ask the advice of a pharmacist or doctor for correct use, especially during pregnancy. Never use different remedies for motion sickness at the same time.