Travelling holds the promise of adventure for some, but for others, travel sickness casts a shadow over the experience and can make journeys by car, train and other forms of transport exceptionally uncomfortable and uneasy. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how travel sickness is caused and treatment options to allow you to reclaim your travels with confidence.
What causes travel sickness?
Travel sickness occurs when there is a disconnect between the various motion sensing parts of the body. This includes areas like eyes, the inner ears, muscles and joints. When these parts send conflicting information into the brain, it is unable to comprehend whether you are stationary or moving. In result, your brain becomes confused and leads to the feeling of nausea.
For example, when you’re in a moving car, your eyes register objects moving or trees passing by, your inner ears sense and hear movement but your muscles and joints sense that your body is sitting still. Your brain will sense a disconnect amongst these mixed messages.
What are the symptoms of travel sickness?
You may experience any of the following symptoms below with travel sickness. These symptoms usually suddenly and take you by surprise.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Cold sweats
- Rapid breathing
- Pale skin
- Increase in saliva
- Increased heart rate
How can you prevent it?
Here are some techniques and tips that can help prevent travel sickness on a journey.
Ginger
Ginger contains natural anti-nausea properties that can help alleviate symptoms of travel sickness. There are many ways you can consume ginger, including ginger candy, tea or capsules either before or during your journey.
Focus on the horizon
By fixating your gaze on a stable point in the distance such as the horizon, you are reorienting your senses to minimise confusing messages being sent to the brain.
Hydration
Dehydration can worsen symptoms so it is essential to stay hydrated by either drinking water or other clear fluids. Avoid any alcohol or caffeine as they can cause symptoms to worsen.
Fresh air
Open the windows to increase ventilation and reduce the sensation of stuffiness which can cause symptoms to exacerbate.
Avoid heavy foods
Avoid eating heavy foods that are greasy, spicy or acidic as this could further upset your stomach. Opt for foods that are low in fat and that are starchy.
Treatments for travel sickness
There are also several treatments available that you can take to ease travel sickness. These include:
Kwells
Kwells is a type of oral medication that you can take to prevent travel sickness. It is fast and effective and can be taken 20-30 minutes before travelling or when you begin to feel symptoms of travel sickness.
Scopoderm Travel Sickness Patch
Scopoderm patches are used to prevent travel sickness, vomiting and vertigo when travelling is transportation such as cars, trains or coats. The path can be applied 5-6 hours before the journey behind the ear or on the neck.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines such as Cinnarizine can be used to treat travel sickness, vertigo, vomiting or ringing in the ears. Only antihistamines that cause drowsiness are effective in treating travel sickness and its symptoms.