Motion sickness is a condition when the brain cannot understand the movement signals sent by the eyes, ears and body while traveling. This condition makes the sufferer experience dizziness and nausea in a moving vehicle.
Motion sickness is common for people who travel by car, bus, train, ship or airplane. According to research in several countries, at least 46% of respondents have experienced motion sickness, especially when driving a car.
Although not dangerous, motion sickness can hinder activities and make travel unpleasant. Therefore, this condition must be treated so that you no longer get drunk on the trip.
Causes of Motion Sickness
Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives different signals from different parts of the body. For example, while in a vehicle, the eyes seem to see the trees moving, while the muscles and joints feel that the body is still and not moving.
The above conditions make the brain unable to process information whether the body is still or moving. This is what causes a person to experience motion sickness complaints.
There are several factors that are thought to increase a person's risk of experiencing motion sickness, namely:
- Ages 2–12 years
- Behavior of playing mobile phones or reading books in the vehicle
- Lack of rest
- Hormonal changes due to certain conditions, such as menstruation, pregnancy, or taking birth control pills
- Family history of motion sickness
- Certain conditions, such as migraine or Parkinson 's disease
Travel Sickness Symptoms
Symptoms of motion sickness can appear unnoticed. Initially, the symptoms that appear may be mild, but then develop into more severe. Some signs and symptoms due to motion sickness are:
- Abdominal pain
- Dizzy
- Easily tired
- pale skin
- Headache
- A cold sweat
- Difficulty concentrating
- Rapid breathing or gasping
- Nervous
- Saliva production increases
- Nausea and vomiting
When to see a doctor
Check with your doctor if you have a history of motion sickness and plan to take a long trip by car. You are also advised to undergo an examination if you still experience symptoms of motion sickness even though you have finished traveling.
Travel Sickness Diagnosis
To diagnose motion sickness, the doctor will ask questions related to the patient's complaints. Apart from that, the doctor will also carry out examinations, such as a physical examination, eye test, and ear test.
Travel Sickness Treatment
Motion sickness is not a serious condition and can be treated by taking anti-motion sickness medication , before or when symptoms appear. However, this drug should be taken 1-2 hours before traveling.
Antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate , are anti-hangover drugs that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. There are also anti-hangover drugs that require a doctor's prescription, including:
- Domperidone
- Metoclopramide
- Ondansetron
Although effective, anti-hangover drugs can cause drowsiness. Therefore, this drug should not be consumed by someone who is driving a vehicle.
Motion Sickness Complications
Untreated motion sickness can hinder travel and traumatize the sufferer from driving. Therefore, do an examination if motion sickness complaints cannot be treated by taking the drugs mentioned earlier.
Motion Sickness Prevention
Travel sickness can be prevented by doing the following methods:
- Inhale the aroma that comes from several natural ingredients, such as mint leaves , ginger, or lavender
- Suck on a mint or ginger flavored candy
- Drink water more often
- Eat a low-fat meal before traveling
- Limit your intake of heavy, oily, spicy and sour foods before traveling
- Eat light snacks while on the go
- Do not smoke and avoid consuming alcoholic beverages
- Choose a seat that makes your eyes more flexible while in the vehicle, for example near the mirror or next to the driver
- Do not read a book or play a cell phone while the vehicle is moving
- Lie down and close your eyes when symptoms start, until they subside
- Choose a seat in the front or middle of the ship, if you're on a ship