To get rid of motion sickness, it is possible to act upstream, in particular with medication. During the journey, a few tricks help to get over nausea and other inconveniences.
- Motion sickness is more common in boats and airplanes than in cars.
- It is possible to feel it in front of video games or by being exposed to virtual reality.
- Vestibular reeduction, carried out by specialized physiotherapists, is a solution for people in whom motion sickness persists
One in three people experience motion sickness at least once in their life. One of the first signs is feeling embarrassed, accompanied by yawning and loss of appetite. Over the course of the journey, the discomfort worsens with dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea and even vomiting. Also called motion sickness, motion sickness can be avoided by taking a few precautions.
What causes motion sickness?
“motion sickness is due to an inappropriate response from the brain, linked to an opposition between the information provided by the eyes and that given by the vestibule (balance organ located in the inner ear)“, explains theHealth Insurance. Concretely, whether we are in a boat, a car or a train, our eyes do not necessarily perceive movement and send this information to the brain, but the vestibule observes that the body is moving, by swings or accelerations, and transmits this given to the brain. It is the confrontation between this contradictory information that causes motion sickness. In addition, certain contexts can promote its appearance, such as anxiety, fatigue, cold or fasting.
Precautions to take before traveling
Motion sickness can be avoided by applying a few tips. At the time of booking, the choice of seat is strategic, depending on its location, the risk of being embarrassed is higher due to jolts and movements. In a car, you have to sit in the front. In a train, traveling in the direction of travel reduces the risks, and the first two cars are to be preferred. In an airplane, you will be quieter on the wings, and on the upper deck if you are on a boat. Whatever the mode of transport, it is better to take one of the seats located near the windows because this will allow you to look at the landscape in the distance and your eyes will be able to detect the movement. It is better to avoid heavy or too rich meals before leaving, but you should not travel on an empty stomach. During the trip, do not read or look at a screen. Antiemetics can also be a solution, these drugs from the H1 antihistamine family will prevent motion sickness. Some are over-the-counter, others subject to medical prescription. They must be taken between 30 minutes and 1 hour before the trip.
When the evil is already there..
If you suffer from motion sickness during the trip, you must change places if possible, to join one of those mentioned above. At the same time, it is important to look ahead and forward. Breathing deeply and lying down can help calm nausea. If symptoms persist after the trip, including nausea and vomiting, a consultation with a doctor is necessary.
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