Motion sickness

Motion Sickness is a condition of nausea caused by erratic or
rhythmic motions experienced when travelling (e.g. by car, plane,
boat, train).

DESCRIPTION

Motion Sickness is thought to be caused by an irritation to
the inner ear. Motion Sickness can result in symptoms such as
nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache. Constant movement, poor
ventilation (e.g. fumes, smoke and carbon dioxide) and emotional
factors (e.g. fear and anxiety), may trigger or worsen an attack of
Motion Sickness. The symptoms usually stop immediately after the
movement ceases.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to
diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest
advice on this ailment. Your ears might be examined for a possible
blockage which may be contributing to the symptoms of Motion
Sickness. Anti-nausea drugs may be prescribed.

DIET HINTS

• Avoid heavy red meats and fried foods. Milk and dairy products
  may aggravate Motion Sickness in some people.
• Ginger is a herb which may help to relieve and prevent Motion
  Sickness. Ginger comes in a variety of forms such as a nutritional
  supplement; powdered for use as a tea; crystallised ginger; or the
  fresh root can be added to cooking.
• It is very important to have small amounts of fluids,
  regularly, when travelling. This is especially important when
  travelling long distances in air conditioning which can cause
  bodily fluids to dry up more quickly (dehydration).
• Avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol which can have a
  dehydrating effect on the body. A lack of fluids may induce a
  headache and/or nausea.
• whole grains and wheat germ are good sources of vitamin B6,
  which may help to prevent nausea.

PREVENTION

The following guidelines may help to prevent Motion
Sickness:

• Avoid reading while in motion.
• Encourage the person to sit in an area where there is least
  movement (as close to the middle of the vehicle as possible).
• To improve ventilation, travel with a window open and avoid
  exposure to cigarette smoke in the vehicle.
• Face forward while travelling. If travelling on a boat, look
  just above the horizon as much as possible and avoid focusing on
  waves or other moving objects.
• Ask your Pharmacist for advice about medication that can be
  taken prior to travelling to help prevent Motion
  Sickenss. 
• Do not eat a large meal before travelling.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Nutritional supplements are only to be used if dietary intake
is inadequate. 

• Ginger is considered a powerful remedy for motion sickness as
  can help prevent cold sweats, vomiting. The anti-nausea action of
  ginger can prevent dizziness, a symptom often associated with
  motion sickness. 
• Peppermint can help relieve nausea which can be associated with
  motion sickness . 
• Vitamin B6 can assist in prevention of nausea.
• Magnesium may prevent stomach acidity and cramping.
• Ginkgo biloba can be used to prevent chronic motion
  sickness..

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. Follow the Diet Hints.
2. There are two types of Motion Sickness tablets available from
   your Pharmacy. One group is atropine based and should be taken one
   hour before travel. These drugs tend to dry the mouth and cause
   mild constipation. The other group of Motion Sickness medications
   are antihistamines which can be very effective. Ask your Pharmacist
   for advice.
3. Another product which has been found to be successful in some
   cases of Motion Sickness is a special wrist band. This band applies
   pressure towards the centre of the wrist on a particular pressure
   point which is believed to help relieve nausea. Usually two bands
   are worn, one on each wrist.
4. Consider some nutritional supplements if the diet is
   inadequate.