Car sickness, popularly known as Motion sickness, is common trouble of the inner ear, caused by constant motion. Every person is different, hence the sensitivity to movement varies for each one of us. As per a study, all of us experience motion sickness if exposed to enough motion for a long enough period. Some of us are more tolerant towards it whereas some of us get affected easily. All the more, it is seen that motion sickness generally affects pregnant women, children from 2 to 12 years old, and people who are prone to migraines. A person can develop motion sickness from the turbulence in an airplane, the movement of a car or by sailing on the sea.
Motion sickness is usually identified with nausea and vomiting, but it can cause several other symptoms as well. Also, the intensity of the signs and the ones you experience is entirely individual. It is not necessary to experience nausea and vomiting in motion sickness. Here are a few symptoms associated with motion sickness- yawning, headache, cold sweats, pale skin, fatigue, feeling dizzy or light-headed, mood changes.
Some people, when exposed to motion, experience extreme fatigue that they have been grouped into a subcategory of motion sickness called sopite syndrome. The main symptoms of sopite syndrome are extreme fatigue and drowsiness along with mood changes and an absence of nausea and vomiting.
Listed below are few tips that will come handy to prevent or lessen the severity of motion sickness-
- Do not sit facing backward from the direction of your travel. If possible, sit in the front seat of the car. If you are prone to motion sickness, do not read while travelling as it can enhance the chances of getting the symptoms.
- Check your consumption of foods, drinks, and alcohol before and during travel. Oily, spicy, and fat-rich foods may heighten motion sickness in some people. Also, avoid excessive drinking and foods or liquids that make you feel full. To prevent nausea, you should also avoid strong food odours.
- Pick a seat where you experience the least motion. As compared to the passengers in higher or outer cabins, the passengers on the lower-level cabins usually experience less movement. On an airplane, the middle section over the wing is the calmest area.
- When you are travelling by car or boat, it is advised to keep your gaze fixed on the horizon or on a fixed point as it may be helpful for you. If possible, open a vent or source of fresh air.
- Hearing others talk about sickness or seeing others experiencing the symptoms may make you feel ill yourself. Hence, it is advised to isolate yourself from the one who may be suffering from motion sickness.
Several over-the-counter medicines can be a useful preventive measure for mild cases of motion sickness. Ask your doctor to prescribe medications for longer trips or if you frequently face the symptoms. Remember that some medicines can cause drowsiness and has other side effects. Therefore, you should discuss it with your physician before your trip. Apart from taking all the caution, you should also have a
health insurance policy to take care of the financial burden a medical treatment brings. A
health insurance policy acts as a financial cushion between you and ever-rising medical inflation.
