Approximately one-third of Americans experience motion sickness when traveling by car, boat, train or airplane, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. During excessive movement, motion sensors in the eyes, inner ears, skin, muscles and joints send contradictory messages to the brain, explains the American Academy of Otolaryngology. Women, especially during their menstrual periods, are most susceptible to these mixed signals. Reading, drinking alcohol, smoking and eating a heavy meal can also trigger motion sickness during travel, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Over-the-counter and prescription medications may prevent motion sickness if taken one hour before travel begins.
Discomfort
The effects of motion sickness usually progress from a feeling of general discomfort to more severe symptoms, according to St. John Providence Health System. At first, the individual feels a sense of discomfort in the upper abdomen, followed by nausea. Typical symptoms at this stage include breaking into a cold sweat, pallor in the face, rapid breathing or hyperventilation, and weakness. Self-care measures such as eating soda crackers, drinking ginger ale or getting some fresh air may help to relieve mild symptoms, particularly if the motion stops or is not excessive. Focused breathing or listening to music may also be helpful. On a rocking ship, however, the symptoms will probably progress.
Avalanche Syndrome
After an initial period of not feeling well, the individual will begin to salivate excessively and vomit, a condition called avalanche syndrome, according to St. John Providence Health System. The individual feels warm and lightheaded, and may become depressed and apathetic. As vomiting continues, he may become dehydrated, weak and fatigued, says the Merck Manual, and his blood pressure may drop. On a long trip, he may become accustomed to the motion after a day or two, but sometimes the symptoms worsen if the motion is severe. If the symptoms continue, the individual should seek medical attention for relief of vomiting and, if needed, fluid replacement.
Headache
Some individuals experience mild to severe headaches, tightness around the forehead or a buzzing sensation in the head, says St. John Providence Health System. Motion sickness may also trigger migraines, even in individuals who do not normally have them, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some patients become confused or panicky as well. The individual should seek medical attention if the symptoms cannot be managed with over-the-counter medication.
References
- American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery: Dizziness and Motion Sickness
- The Merck Manual of Medical Information, Second Home Edition: Motion Sickness
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Travel to Developing Countries - Travel Precautions
- St. John Providence Health System: Motion Sickness
