What is it about ?
Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting information, on the one hand from our eyes and on the other hand from our balance organ (vestibular organ). When we are in a moving car, our eyes register this movement, while for our vestibular organ we remain in place, without moving, which causes a confusion called motion sickness.
What is its frequency?
About one in three people suffer from motion sickness. In children, it occurs mostly between the ages of 2 and 12, rarely or never before the age of 2. Adult women suffer from it more often than men, especially during menstruation and pregnancy. The tendency to travel sickness decreases as you travel regularly and get older.
How to recognize it?
You gradually experience nausea and must vomit. Your skin turns pale, you sweat, and you have a cold sweat. Sometimes you have to yawn and sigh, and you produce more saliva. Winds, discharge, constipation or diarrhea are also possible.
How is the diagnosis made?
The description of the complaints is characteristic. No further examination is necessary.
What can you do ?
Eat a light meal before you go, and drink plenty of water along the way. Avoid alcohol.
The best place in the car is at the front. Look straight ahead and look at a point in the distance. Resting your head on a neck rest can help.
If you are traveling by boat or plane, stay in the central part. On a boat, it is best to stay on the deck and look towards the horizon. At sea, symptoms disappear after 2 to 3 days.
It is recommended not to let children read while driving. If necessary, make them lie down, telling them to close their eyes. Make sure you have fresh air, good ventilation and warm, loose clothing.
What can your doctor do?
If you are easily prone to motion sickness, your doctor may prescribe medication. His first choice will be an antihistamine, usually dimenhydrinate. Metoclopramide can be considered. Take these medications before travel. Avoid consuming them routinely because this may reduce their action over time.
Want to know more?
- Antihistamines – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Dimenhydrinate – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Metoclopramide – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
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