You’re all set for your trip: bags packed, kids safely seated in the spot next to you, reservations made – and then it happens. Your little one says they don’t feel well and are going to get sick. If you’ve found yourself in this situation before – and many people have – there are steps you can take to try and prevent motion sickness.
What Causes Motion Sickness?
Motion sickness is caused during motion, expected or unexpected, when what you see is different than what your inner ear is sensing. The most common times this happens are on planes, in cars, trains, and boats.
There are many different reasons people get motion sick. For some, simply looking out a window will do it. Others may get sick just from not being able to see out of a window. Some experience motion sickness after reading or writing while moving.
How To Identify Motion Sickness
It’s important to know what motion sickness symptoms are so you can recognize when it’s happening. The most common symptom is nausea. Often times, hiccups or belching is a precursor to this sickness. Some may also vomit or experience pale skin, cold sweat, or dizziness.
Some people are more prone to motion sickness than others, such as pregnant women or young children.
How To Prevent Motion Sickness
There are more than one ways to help prevent and/or treat motion sickness. Whichever you prefer, it’s always best to check with your doctor or physician before taking medication.
Medication
There are several medications available that help with motion sickness that are available over the counter. Dramamine can be bought in most drugstores and can be used before you feel motion sickness coming on, lasting 4 to 8 hours. Phenergan is a similar drug, and helps in the same ways as Dramamine. Both medications may make you feel drowsy, however, so don’t drive while taking these drugs.
Transderm Scop may help. This medication is a patch applied behind the ear that helps motion sickness symptoms before they start.
If you’re looking for medication that allows you to stay awake, Scopolamine may be a good option.
Preventative Measures
Don’t read or write while you’re traveling or moving. Books, phones, tablets – all of them can easily make you motion sick.
Sit in the backseat and don’t look out the window. If you try and spot everything passing by or read each sign that goes past, you might make yourself sick. Focus on the horizon. If you feel motion sickness coming on, try closing your eyes and tilting your head back.
Open the window to get some fresh air, or sit near air vents in the car. Some people report getting motion sick more frequently when the temperature is higher; low temperatures may help keep motion sickness at bay.
Those who drive may experience motion sickness less often than those who sit in the passengers seat.
Wrist Bands
These knitted elastic bands rest comfortably on your writs. By creating acupuncture-like pressure with a plastic stud, your side effects may be reduced or even non-existent.
One of the best parts of these bands is they can be worn by children or adults at any time. A popular brand is Sea-Band.
If you travel often, you may see that you begin to experience motion sickness less frequently. A great way to help from getting ill while traveling is by actively working to prevent it. Between medication and holistic measures, it’s possible to keep motion sickness at bay and have a safe, fun, enjoyable traveling experience.
