Motion Sickness

If the thought of travel makes you a bit queasy, you're not alone. Motion sickness, with the accompanying nausea and dizziness, can make anyone think twice before hitting the road. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the problem starts in the inner ear, which helps us maintain our sense of balance. (Read about "Balance Disorders") In some people, travel upsets this balance. Sometimes, only certain kinds of traveling motions cause problems, such as flying or sea travel. Poor ventilation and anxiety can make motion sickness worse. Reading in a moving vehicle or looking down while a vehicle is moving can also make it worse.

Prevention and treatment

It can be more difficult to stop the symptoms of motion sickness once they start, so some travelers prefer prevention. They may avoid reading on planes or trains, for example, or avoid foods and alcohol that may make the problem worse. Over-the-counter motion sickness pills can also be helpful. There are a number of different types of motion sickness medications. But the Food and Drug Administration says you need to take precautions; as with any medicine, ask a doctor or pharmacist before using and make sure you read the package label for instructions.

When talking with the doctor or pharmacist, the American Pharmaceutical Association suggests asking about the following:

• the best time to take prior to travel
• dosage instructions
• age restrictions, since some of these medicines should not be used by children (Read about "Children and Prescriptions")
• side effects, especially drowsiness
• interactions with any other medications you might be taking
• medical conditions that make certain motion sickness medications inappropriate

If you have any questions or concerns, always ask your doctor first. If you have any breathing disorders or eye, prostate or other medical conditions, it's especially important to ask your doctor before taking such medications. (Read about "Respiratory System" "The Eye" "The Prostate") Seniors who travel should also be aware of the fact that as we get older, our bodies react to medications in different ways. (Read about "Taking Medicine") Although motions sickness pills can be helpful to travelers, it's important to use precautions to keep everyone feeling all right on the road and off.

For specific terms see:

    Travel and Health

    Hearing/Speech/Smell/Taste Glossary