The definition of travel is: voluntary movement to somewhere different from where you are. Traveling literally means being on the move. Most people have no problem getting from point A to point B. These people easily get into the car, train, boat or plane. However, there is a group of people who cannot tolerate traveling. Some people can’t stand driving, others get sick on a boat and still others can’t stand flying. These people have motion sickness.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is actually motion sickness. People talk about motion sickness when someone gets sick in a car, flying sickness in an airplane and sea sickness on a ship. The common name is motion sickness or motion sickness. Motion diseases do not only occur in the car. Flying, driving or boating can make people so sick that they are exhausted when they finally arrive somewhere. You can imagine that people with motion sickness prefer not to go on holiday. Yet, with certain knowledge and the right preparation, it is possible to enjoy traveling as much as anyone else.
Who gets motion sickness?
Motion sickness is not related to any factor. There are no hereditary factors, gender factors or age factors. Although children between the ages of three and twelve are most affected, it can occur at any age. The lifestyle also has nothing to do with getting motion sickness. It is a motion sickness because one can get sick from any movement. Sitting on the back of a horse, camel or elephant can cause someone to become ill. People can also become ill on a roller coaster or other fairground attraction, just like in a fast elevator. That’s why motion sickness is a better name than motion sickness. It is not said that people who get sick from one thing also get sick from the other. It is possible to grow out of motion sickness, but that is not the rule. The symptoms are:
- Nausea
- Vomit
- Increased saliva production
- Fatigue
- Headache
- To sweat
- Pallor
Balance organ
The disease occurs when the brain receives conflicting messages. On the one hand, the brain gets the message that we are sitting still by looking at the inside of a vehicle. On the other hand, the brain receives a message from the vestibular organ, which is located in the inner ear and consists of a fluid, that we are moving. These conflicting messages make people with motion sickness sick. You will think that if you look outside while traveling, then the problem is solved. Unfortunately it is not that simple. When traveling, it is important that your vestibular organ perceives the same movement as your eyes. When you are in an airplane, you can look outside, but the movement that your vestibular organ perceives is not the same as that seen by your eyes. However, it can help somewhat if you look outside while traveling.
Different hypothesis
There is yet another hypothesis about motion sickness. A hypothesis is an idea that has yet to be proven correct. This hypothesis states that in most cases of motion sickness there is an excess of histamine in the body. Histamine is a substance that acts, among other things, as a signaling substance between the contact points in the nervous system.
To ride
The driver of a car suffers much less from motion sickness. The reason for this is that the driver knows exactly what is going to happen. The driver sees the horizon and upcoming potholes or slopes. It is best to sit in the front of the car in case of motion sickness. If a child is too young to sit in the front seat, have them sit on a raised platform in the back near the window. Reading and games that require looking down are not a good idea. Games like I see, I see, what you don’t see or other games where you have to look outside often help. Singing can distract your attention from the nauseous feeling. In any case, leave the window open slightly for fresh air and do not bring strong-smelling food.
sail
The bigger the boat, the less you will suffer from seasickness. As long as you are outside in the fresh air and keep an eye on the horizon, you will have less trouble. It is best to stay somewhere in the middle of the ship so that movement is minimal. Sitting or lying down with your eyes closed can also help. On a small boat, where the movements are much greater and the waves are much steeper, you are most likely to suffer from seasickness. Stay outside as much as possible, because then you can best prepare for the coming waves.
To fly
Fly sickness is usually caused by turbulence. The best place in an airplane for someone with flight sickness is above the wing. The plane is most stable there. Recline your chair, close your eyes, listen to music and try to think as little as possible about where you are. Try to relax and don’t eat a heavy meal before boarding the plane. Also don’t drink alcohol. The consequences of overeating and drinking alcohol will only add to your worries no matter what vehicle you are in.
Preventing motion sickness
Before you travel, a visit to your doctor is not an unnecessary luxury. This can advise you on which medications are best in your case. There are various medications available, both for adults and children. There are medications that relax cramps and spasms and there are medications that lower the histamine level in the body. It is best to take the medication half an hour to two hours before the trip. You will find the correct way to take it on the package leaflet. If a journey takes a long time, the doctor may prescribe a patch with an active substance to stick behind your ear. When using medication, it is advisable to always read the package leaflet before use. You are usually no longer allowed to drive after using these types of medications.
Prepare well
Good preparation includes taking good care of yourself before you set off. Make sure you are rested and fit. Do not eat heavy meals or drink alcohol before the trip. It is better to eat small portions along the way. Always look where you are going to sit. When checking in, alert the desk clerk and ask for a spot above the wing. Or better yet, check in online and reserve your seat above the wing. Sit in the front seat of the car and, if possible, drive yourself. On a ship you want to sit outside, somewhere in the middle.
Children and motion sickness
Make sure your children have enough distractions when you take them on a trip, especially if they suffer from motion sickness. Take children to see a doctor before traveling. With children, try to do everything you can to ensure that they suffer as little as possible from motion sickness. It’s bad enough and a trauma against traveling has just developed. While they often grow out of it later in life. Since the balance organ in children does not yet work properly, they suffer from it more often than adults.
Natural remedies
Chamomile and peppermint tea promote relaxation, so they help when motion sickness worsens due to too much restlessness. Esoteric oils of peppermint and lavender can also help you relax. Again, read the package leaflet first. Ginger is an old-fashioned remedy for motion sickness. You can drink it as a tea or take it in a capsule, but ginger cookies can also help. Not too many cookies, otherwise your stomach will be too full again.